Bullying at a Norfolk high school has been given a kick in the teeth and its opponents a prestigious award.

Bullying at a Norfolk high school has been given a kick in the teeth and its opponents a prestigious award.

But there were no hard tactics in the fight against bullies at Aylsham High School, which is pioneering a softly softly approach to curb playground troubles.

Friendly Faces, run by four year 11 pupils, offer help, support and advice for students who may be feeling lonely, are being teased, have fallen out with friends or may be being bullied.

And not only do the 900 other children at the school benefit from the scheme, the students running it have gained new skills from training and being given the responsibility of taking part in or running friendly faces.

Julie Ward, deputy head teacher at the school, said: “We're exceptionally proud to have achieved this award.

“It has definitely made a difference at the school and that makes a difference to the local community.

“All our pupils know they can go to a friendly face at any time of the day.”

Year 11 pupils Sara Hawkes, Emily Colk, Lisa Hamilton and Dominique Faulker were presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales anti-bullying award yesterday by Bryan Gunn, former Norwich City Football Club goalie and community ambassador for Carrow Road.