Norfolk County Council is the fourth best council in Britain for helping schools tackle homophobic bullying, according to a new survey by Stonewall.

The Education Equality Index 2015, published today, lists the top 10 local authorities in Britain, with Norfolk moving from eighth last year to fourth.

It was highlighted for its partnership working, its training and support for schools, and its development of an equality audit tool for governors, aimed at identifying schools' strengths and weaknesses in challenging homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

James Joyce, chairman of the children's services committee, said: 'It is crucial children learn from an early age to celebrate their differences and challenge inequality, because bullying of any kind has a profound impact on children's learning.

'We want all children and young people in the county to have confidence and pride in who they are, and we know the work taking place in Norfolk's schools is having a positive impact on both students' education and wellbeing.'