BULLYING in schools was the main issue of debate at a north west conference spearheaded by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

Headteachers and governors from the region attended Park Hall in Chorley to highlight effective practices in tackling playground intimidation.

Mr Lewis, who is an education minister and was bullied at school himself, urged schools, parents, and youngsters to "make a difference" by tackling the issue head-on.

He described bullying as a "physical or emotional assault" and said: "Every school has a responsibility to have an active anti-bullying policy, every adult in that school has a responsibility to tackle bullying and every parent has the responsibility to support their child.

"No-one can tackle bullying on their own, and no-one will stop it overnight. But together, in a true partnership of schools, professional associations, voluntary organisations, parents and young people, we can make the difference."

The national 'Make a Difference' campaign is urging local schools to adopt an anti-bullying Charter for Action and create a school environment where bullying is not tolerated and is actively tackled.

The charter recommends a set of actions drawn up by professional and voluntary organisations, including the National Association of Head Teachers and the Anti-Bullying Alliance.