A Canvey school has picked up a prestigious award for its unique way of helping students deal with bullying.

County High Sheriff Giles Coode-Adams presented the prize to Castle View School in recognition of its successful peer counselling initiative.

Ten pupils picked up a certificate from him at an Essex anti-crime awards evening.

The initiative was launched in September when the school trained 30 pupils between the ages of 12 and 16 to listen to and support fellow students.

Since then, they have been on hand to help pupils who want to talk about anything, from homework to bullying.

Russell Sullivan, Castle View headteacher, said it was a proud day for the school.

"The pupils have done us proud in how well they responded to the idea. They also represented the school very well.

"The initiative has worked so well that Castle Point's mayor nominated us for the award. We are very proud to have been recognised for making a contribution to reducing the fear of crime in Essex."

Mayor Alf Goldsworthy raised awareness of the problem of bullying in schools as a councillor three years ago and after seeing how well Castle View had responded he mentioned it to the High Sheriff.

The Queen's representative then drew up a certificate of recognition for the school's achievements.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.