WEY Valley students are leading the way in the fight against bullying.

The Weymouth school is hosting a 'peer mediation' day aimed at schools across Dorset, both those who currently run a scheme and those that want to start one.

Pupil Chris Griffin, 15, who acts as a mediator, said: "We're here to help if there is trouble between two people, or if someone is being bullied. If they don't want to go to a member of staff they can come to us and we will work with them to help resolve it."

Each of the 14 Year 11 students running the scheme at the school have had 20 hours of training in conflict resolution, communication and listening skills, confidence-building and helping others.

Sessions take place mainly at lunchtime but if a problem arises in the classroom the mediators are on hand to jump in.

Chris said: "It can be a bit daunting if you have to get involved in an argument, but then you remember why you are doing it."

Six students from Years 7, 8 and 9 are now being trained ready to take over from the current helpers when they take their GCSEs.

Chris added: "Mediation is good for us as well as those we can help. Doing it teaches us skills which we will be able to use later in life and it's good to know we are helping people who need us."

The peer mediation event, organised by the Young Mediators' Net-work, takes place this Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

It is open to any schools which feel they may wish to start a scheme in their own school or for students to find out how they can be helped by a mediator.

Topics on the day include sustaining a peer mediation project in your area, workshops by current mediators at Wey Valley and in-depth training role-plays. The £10 cost includes lunch on the day.

Call project co-ordinator Mandy Cockwell at Wey Valley School on (01305) 817000 for more information.