A PROJECT aimed at helping young pupils settle into life at a Prestwich high school will feature in a BBC documentary.

Cameras have been filming the success of the peer support scheme at Parrenthorn High School for a programme about bullying to be screened in the autumn.

The scheme was set up two years ago and students undergo intensive training at the Lancashire Health and Racquet Club.

The latest group of around 50 pupils have just completed their training and are all set to help the new Year 7 pupils who start next term.

The students were taught how to deal with younger pupils who may be being bullied or are simply apprehensive at starting a new school.

After the initial training, the 14 and 15 year olds are then able to offer one-to-one counselling and a drop-in facility for troubled youngsters.

The scheme has received funding from the National Mentoring Network to train members of staff to be peer mentoring trainers and, in turn, they have trained the Year 10 pupils to be peer supporters.

Headteacher Mr Mick Fitzerald said: "The cameras have been in school filming how the scheme operates and they also filmed at the Racquet Club last week when the new peer supporters were taken through their training. The programme will also feature a Year 7 student who has benefited from the mentoring.

"The idea of peer support is growing in schools and we have found it to be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all involved."

As well as their mentoring work, the peer supporters have also helped to raise funds for the school, spoken to parents and primary school Year 6 pupils on open and induction days, helped to support the homework club and written helpful booklets to guide younger students through their SATS.

Mrs Rachel Judge, the peer support co-ordinator at Parrenthorn added: "It is certainly inspiring for the teachers to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our older pupils wanting to be involved with the welfare of younger pupils."