A COUNTYWIDE charter has been drafted to help protect all children and young people in Lancashire.

The anti-bullying charter was drawn up by officers from Lancashire County Council's children and young people's service and representatives from the Lancashire Youth Council.

The charter makes it clear that tackling bullying is not just an issue for schools, but also for parents and carers and all organisations working with children and young people, and the wider community.

Speaking at the conference, Matthew Tomlinson, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "According to some recent research, one in every three children has experienced some form of bullying. It goes without saying that this is an extremely important issue for young people and one which we are determined to tackle.

"We share a collective responsibility to stamp out bullying. This is an issue that many children and young people see as their biggest concern as they grow up.”