THANKS to extra cash from Children In Need dancing and story telling are currently helping to tackle bullying and racism in Bury's schools. As part of a pioneering project almost a dozen primary, secondary and special schools in the Borough are currently being visited by Indian dance expert Sita Kumari.

In recent weeks groups of youngsters have been reading The Heartstone Odyssey, by Arvan Kumar.

Through linked photographs they have been talking about personal experiences of bullying and racism, and devising strategies for dealing with incidents and preventing them from occurring.

Sita's visit this week, which ends this Friday, brings the whole initiative together.

At the same time the youngsters are being involved in a number of environmental projects to tie in with the Heartstone experience.

Says education committee chairman Paul Ainscough: "Thanks to support from Children In Need the Heartstone project is now able to reach children with special needs.

"Bury is one of several areas around the country which is participating in this particular development.

"Bullying and racism, while no more prevalent in Bury than elsewhere, are issues that do need to be tackled. The Heartstone Project offers a unique, and for the children an interesting way of looking at these issues.

"We live in a multi-cultural society and anything which can help tackle racism has to be applauded.

"At the same time, even in the best of schools bullying rears its head from time to time and if we can find ways to stop it, then all the better."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.