Sarah said the course had taught her to be less confrontational

Both the perpetrators and victims of bullying are encouraged to conduct their lives differently as a result.

The project - codenamed "CHIL" (Children Helping Inclusion by Listening) - is being driven by concerned parents, and is part-funded by community partnerships.

It is aimed at youngsters who have had difficulties in school due to disruptive behaviour, and aims to teach children to take responsibility for their actions.

'Learning to change'

One pupil who has been through the course, 15-year-old Sarah Fowles, told the BBC: "I used to shout and swear and scream, because that is where I was at the time."

"But I am now able to calm down and enjoy school, and not be so confrontational."

Steve Bane, a CHIL development worker, added: "The course is about children recognising how they behave, accepting responsibility and doing something about it - learning to change."

CHIL was launched in Hartcliffe and Withywood on Friday.