‘LOVE, respect and belong’ are not just words for pupils attending St Mary’s Primary School in Bentworth.

According to headteacher Jo Ayres they mean “action” and, as such, the school’s anti-bullying ambassadors took the opportunity during Anti-Bullying Week, which ran from November 13-17, to create a new team and focus on the importance of mutual respect.

And they made a pupil pledge: “I value myself and I value you. I feel equal to you. I respect our difference even when we disagree. We both count.”

All of the school’s pupils then added their fingerprints to a tree design.

Claudia and Abi lead the team of anti-bullying ambassadors.

Claudia said: “I think that Anti-Bullying Week went really well. Everyone showed the school values even more than normal. Everyone said our pledge card and agreed that they would never bully or allow bullying to occur, before they put their thumb on the anti-bullying pledge.”

Abi added: “This year, we had loads of great projects planned like ‘sit by me’ lunchtime club. Whenever you are feeling sad, come and sit with the ambassadors and we will try to help. Our new team was fizzing with new ideas as well.”

Mrs Ayres said: “Resilient pupils have resilient relationships and through Anti-Bullying Week we have explored the equality of friendships. This has been an innovative way of approaching bullying to ensure that children are ready for any challenges they have. Our pupils care so much - they welcomed this pledge with honesty and enthusiasm.”