ELLESMERE Port Specialist School of Performing Arts students have received their peer mentoring certificates.

Peer mentoring is a student-led programme already used in thousands of schools and sponsored by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

It can be used to support transition, attainment, attendance and behaviour and help address issues of bullying.

Mentoring co-ordinators/trainers Kay Gadsby and Ros Corbett said: “We are extremely proud of all our students who have worked really hard on their training units. Well done.”

Year heads Janet Powell, Chris Buckeridge and Paula Trott were on hand to present the certificates. The peer mentors belong to a larger group called United We Can which is dedicated to raising awareness of anti-bullying issues. Members meet regularly and work closely with primary schools to aid in smooth transition.

Three group members are about to become Princess Diana Award holders and a pair have been selected to train as online mentors for a pilot radio station.

Pupils who received peer mentor certificates included: Year 7 – Kevin Shingler, Craig Shingler, Abbie Sturmer Johnstone, Whitney Lea, Chloe Midgall, Abbey Clegg, Mike O Toole, Brandon Tidbury, Paul Rossitor, Jessica Aldom, Corline Grimes. Year 8 – Nicole Edge, Penny Adams, Ellen Britton, Kris Roberts, Chris Wilson, Ross O Driscoll, Megan Oldham. Year 9 – Lewis Moore, Sam Knight and Mark McMillan. Year 10 – Mark Bratley. Year 11 – Sarah-Jayne Hughes. Year 12 – Kirsty Clibery.