YOUNG people who were once the victims of abuse at school helped the next generation beat the bullies when they visited Rose Hill Primary School.

Ambassadors from the anti-bullying charity BulliesOut took gave a presentation and held a series of workshops at the school on Monday.

Pupils were taught how to report bullying, challenge stereotypes and look out for themselves.

One of the young ambassadors from the charity, Reece Scane, was bullied when he was at school and now works to help ensure other youngsters do not go through the same harrowing experience.

The 21-year-old from Greater Leys said: "We did a presentation with the pupils and then we engaged them in a couple of films and workshops.

"In the presentation we showed the videos and ask the kids questions whereas the workshops are more fun and active.

"We want to make sure the kids have fun but there is always a serious message attached.

"We want to engage the kids and we also met with the school's anti-bullying committee."

BulliesOut recognises that most pupils understand what bullying is and are aware of their responsibility to report it if they see it happening.

But it says many youngsters still suffer in silence as their peers stand by and look on.

The workshops aim to address this by bringing pupils together to discuss and explore bullying.

Mr Scane said: "I wanted to get involved with the charity for two main reasons.

"One was that I was badly bullied at school, I was called names and had things thrown at me.

"The second was I wanted to help the young ambassadors and train them up and give them a platform to build a successful life."

Assistant headteacher Fleur Belcher said the school had a strong policy on anti-bullying but the event from BulliesOut helped to reinforce that and teach youngsters in a new way.

She said: "It is about giving children a voice and embedding it even further.

"There is nothing better than some young ambassadors coming in.

"The idea is that after half term they will be running workshops and making a film.

BulliesOut's mission is to increase individual self-esteem and community cohesion through positive and innovative interventions.

Part of its work means making sure children learn in a fun way, which Ms Belcher said was the case at Rose Hill Primary School.

She said: "Everybody wanted to be part of the anti-bullying committee and it ties in nicely with everything we are doing and just taking it to the next step.

"They have had a huge amount of fun and wanted to be involved, so that is really good."