MOVING up to high school is no longer a daunting prospect at a Prestwich school thanks to a group of older pupils pledging to look out for them.

More than 40 pupils at Parrenthorn High in Heywood Road, have been trained as "peer supporters" to help the younger pupils enjoy their school life and ease any worries.

The pupils were presented with their peer supporter certificates during an awards presentation assembly, held following training at the Lancashire Health and Raquet Club for skills. including listening and communication techniques.

The team hope to follow the success of last year's peer supporters who helped more than 50 younger pupils cope with a variety of issues, including moving from primary school, bullying, learning skills and classroom behaviour.

The scheme began in 2000 when the school was awarded Beacon Status for its pastoral ethos: "staff are prepared to go the extra mile to support their pupils".

The school joined the National Mentoring Network and 18 staff members were trained as peer mentoring trainers.

For the past three years, these skills have been passed on to the Year 10 pupils who now volunteer their time to work on open days, lead year assemblies, write advice for youngsters preparing for their SATs and operating a drop-in centre every Wednesday.