Bullies Sent Packing by School Pastors
School pastors are patrolling outside Westlands in Torquay to help pupils feel more secure on their journeys to and from school.
The school pastors have developed from the successful street pastors which are now operating in cities and large town across the country.
Torbay's school pastors are all volunteers from local churches who were invited to start their patrols by Westlands which has a robust anti-bullying policy inside the school and was determined to extend that as much as possible outside the school gates.
The uniformed and trained pastors were introduced to the 1,250 students in assembly and have become familiar figures at the school gates.
Nervous or distressed children can use them as a point of support and comfort.
And in the few weeks since they've been operating, they have helped a lost boy, whose family had just moved house, find his way home and have prevented some intimidating situations between students.
Our reporter Wendy Buckingham went out on patrol with school pastor Joel Ward who explained the idea behind the scheme.
Assistant Head Neil Payne says Westlands is pleased with the support the school pastors can offer students, especially the younger pupils. CLICK HERE
Wendy also asked pupils what they thought about the school pastor scheme. Her first comments came from 15 year old Joe... CLICK HERE
It's hoped to extend the scheme to other schools in the bay.