EVENLODE Primary School has been praised by the Vale Council after scooping second place in an anti-bullying competition.

Steve Rees, head teacher of Evenlode Primary School, said: “We are delighted to receive this award. We take the matter of bullying very seriously and due to the commitment of both staff and pupils and a willingness to tackle the issue 'head on' we consequently experience very few problems. "Our KiVa initiative is proving to be particularly successful and children treat each other with a high level of respect and care. The award reflects our commitment.”

The competition asked pupils to carry out activities and produce booklets to describe their activities during Anti Bullying Week, November 18 to November 22, and was rewarded with a cheque for £50.

The contributions from pupils at Evenlode Primary School included anti-bullying poems, graffiti messages, posters and a friendship tree suggesting how to create a happy and caring school where children can feel free from bullying.

Cllr Chris Elmore, cabinet member for children’s services, judged the competition and said: “I am so pleased for the pupils and staff from Evenlode Primary School who have worked really hard to come second in this competition.”