SCHOOLCHILDREN are being helped to stand up to bullies with a summer campaign.

Anti-bullying competition winner Lauren Ramsey yesterday saw her own design blown up and splashed over York's buses as part of an extended campaign to support victims of bullying.

The scheme is being launched by the Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT), in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council local education authority (LEA), City of York LEA, and Selby Community Safety Partnership.

The PCT website address will also appear on the poster, which can be used to access a range of bullying support websites.

The poster was designed by Lauren, ten, a pupil at Brotherton and Byram Primary School, and was sent to 121 primary schools across Selby and York.

It received very positive feedback, leading to the campaign being extended through the summer holidays.

Garry Millard, director of mental health and social inclusion with the PCT, said: "I am delighted that the campaign has been extended, and that we have been able to work in collaboration with our partner organisations.

"We hope the campaign will prove successful as the poster is eye-catching, and has a simple message that bullying isn't cool.

"Bullying is an issue that can affect anyone and we believe it is an important issue to tackle," said Mr Millard.

Former Evening Press education reporter Rosemary Curtis was among the judges for the competition.

Updated: 11:56 Wednesday, August 04, 2004