Middlesbrough College has picked up the UK’s first BIG anti-bullying award.

The Bullying Intervention Group is a social enterprise, created to administer the award for schools, colleges and services for young people.

To earn the award, colleges must show they are working to crackdown on the issue, employ consistent good practice, actively include youngsters in their anti-bullying work and ensure every young person can fulfill their potential without fear of being bullied.

Suze Clarke, student liaison officer at the college, said: “We’re really pleased our work against bullying has been recognised.

“The BIG award is a national award which recognises that our bullying prevention and intervention work is consistent, comprehensive and thorough.”

Val McFarlane, BIG director, said: “Middlesbrough College has gone way beyond our expectations and has really used innovative and creative ideas to stimulate interest amongst their students about bullying, racism, acceptance and friendship.”