A POLICE community support officer has launched a campaign against bullies after revealing his own nightmare at the hands of the yobs.

PCSO Ricky Gallacher today visited St Andrew’s C of E primary school in Oswaldtwistle to urge pupils to report any problems immediately.

The PCSO, who is based in Accrington, described his first year at Fearns High School in Rawtenstall as ‘awful’ and said he was bullied by a group of older pupils.

He said: ”One afternoon I was walking home from school and three older lads jumped out of nowhere and beat me up. It was awful and completely unfair.”

PCSO Gallacher said he felt passionate about helping local pupils ‘beat the bullies’.

He said: “I now want to help young members of our community talk about their bullying concerns, and let them know there is help available, even if they think there is nobody to turn to.

”I know what it’s like to be bullied and if we can deliver the message early enough, pupils can report bullies early.”

Headteacher Tina Wilkinson said the pupils had shown a ‘huge interest’ in Ricky’s ‘beat the bullies campaign’.

She said: “The children are really interested in identifying the signs of what a bully actually is.

“We are giving our pupils the opportunity to ask any questions.

“And we want to let them know who they can turn to, what is available to them and who they should tell if they are being bullied.”

The pupils are designing ‘anti bullying’ posters that will be on display around the school and PCSO Gallacher said he will be the judge.

He added: “I have donated prizes for the winners and put together useful packs for the pupil’s parents to get involved.

"Hopefully they will be able to recognize the signs if their child is being bullied.”