CHILDREN being bullied in Lancashire's schools are being urged to speak up as part of a campaign being launched in the county's classrooms.

Lancashire County Council's Keeping TABS scheme will offer help to primary and secondary school staff, as well as encouraging bullied children to speak up about their plight.

TABS stands for The Anti-bullying School and the initiative's mascot is a cute cat called Tabs.

The guidance is available to schools across the county to help teachers and headteachers develop anti-bullying policies.

A support booklet entitled It's OK to Tell is available to children in the last year of primary school and there is plenty of support material for parents and school staff.

Christine Hulland, the county's teacher adviser for anti-bullying, said: "Schools have their own individual policies about bullying but we are providing extra support.

"We're working together to help develop an anti-bullying ethos and the guidelines have been well received."

Schools are being encouraged to follow initiatives already tried in some classrooms, including the pupil panel at Pendle Primary School, Clitheroe. It provides a forum for youngsters to air concerns.

Sue Mulvany, county director of education and cultural services said: "It was wonderful to see the children so involved in the scheme.

"They really understand how their buddies and befriending schemes help reduce the fear and incidents of bullying.

County council chairman Nora Ward, a former teacher, said: "I think it is an excellent idea. I am very impressed by the new anti-bullying guidelines.

"They provide a good, quick reference point and suggest procedures to deal with bullying for staff.

"Bullies also need help as well as the bullied and, as we say in Lancashire, every child matters."

Headteachers have welcomed the scheme.

Pendle Primary School headteacher Margaret Carrington said: "I think it's absolutely excellent. It places the focus on to children and it makes children themselves become responsible for reporting bullies.

"If you create that environment then any problems will be solved."