Teacher Georgina Duckworth runs the weekly surgery with Dianne Murphy, the senior mid-day supervisor at the school.

"It has been running a year now and works brilliantly," said Mrs Duckworth.

The surgery takes place every Friday lunchtime and children can go along and talk about any concerns. These are entered into a file and dealt with by getting all the children involved.

"The children really appreciate the surgery which has helped to stamp out any bullying we did have," said Mrs Duckworth, who added there was also an anti-bullying box for children who preferred to write down any problems.

The policy worked so well that former headteacher Mrs Sue Holloway suggested the pair submit it for a Learning Excellence Award from Lancashire County Council. And the school as a whole is delighted that application had been successful.

"The award will be formally presented in the summer at county hall, but as Sue was leaving at Easter, Fiona Holland came to make an informal presentation at the school before she left," said Mrs Duckworth.