Anti-bullying student gets Diana Award

7:14pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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A pupil who led an anti-bullying campaign at his former school has been given a Diana Award.

Michael Max Castle set up a mentoring scheme for first year pupils at St John Rigby school in New Addington in an attempt to thwart the bullies.

"I found out I had got the award on the last day of term and just jumped around � it�s the top anti-bullying award in the country."

Michael Max Castle

The 17-year-old has been a peer mentor for the past two years and is now trying to establish a new youth club in Croydon town centre.

His hard work and dedication to his projects were recognised by the Princess Diana award, which he received at an award ceremony at the University of Westminster hosted by Esther Rantzen.

The Diana Award gives public recognition to young people who make a profound difference to the lives of their friends, families, schools and communities.

Michael said: "I still get kids in New Addington who I mentored come up to me and say hello and thank me.

"I found out I had got the award on the last day of term and just jumped around - it's the top anti-bullying award in the country."

Michael added bullying was a problem in all schools and it was up to them to ensure anti-bullying schemes and groups were in place to help children escape what can be an extremely traumatic experience.

Diana award holders are given access to a developing and life-long alumni programme to support their personal development and their continuing involvement in community projects.

Michael, who is now on a BTEC diploma in engineering manufacturing at Croydon College, added: "I hope the skills I have learnt on the anti-bullying course will help me in the future."