An online anti-bullying march has today begun heading through a new Norfolk website aimed at young people.

The Big March 2012 has been organised by the charity Beat Bullying.

It will involve tens of thousands of 'avatars' – online characters – taking part in the world's first virtual march which will end at the Unite Nations building in New York.

A petition will then be handed in asking the UN to add this wording to the Convention on the Rights of the Child: 'The right of every child to be safe from bullying, violence and the fear of violence by their peers as well as from abuse by adults.'

During the 48-hour march, which began at 8am today (Thursday), the marchers will cross the new Norfolk Education and Action for Development (NEAD) website.

It will be the regional host for nearly one million avatar marchers who have already signed up.

NEAD's new E-Dev wesbite is aimed at children and young people in the county and aims to link global issues with Norfolk.

A spokesman urged internet users to get involved with the march by creating their own avatar and telling others about the campaign.

The anti-bullying march has the support of a number of major brands and celebrities including Norfolk's Stephen Fry.

He said: 'The issue of bullying is a serious one, which is why I have signed up to The Big March 2012. Bullying in all forms is unacceptable and children should be able to live a life free from bullying and harassment from the hands of their peers.'

To find out more visit www.beatbullying.org/bigmarch or e-dev.nead.org.uk.