Embarrassment or fear of recriminations lead many innocent youngsters to hide behind their ordeal rather than share it with a sympathetic ear.

But at one Moray secondary school, there is a haven to protect young pupils from the menace of their tormentors.

Elgin High School decided to mark National Anti-Bullying Week with a campaign designed to help break the silence of frightened youngsters.

A trio of 17-year-old students formed a group known as The Haven, a lunchtime club offering assistance to individuals reluctant to talk to teachers about their bullying problems.

They were recruited by guidance teacher Ian Walker as part of their Sixth Year extra-curricular duties.

Starting earlier this month, The Haven offers a friendly face, advice and chat plus a variety of activities to pupils over four lunch breaks each week.

"It's mostly the youngest pupils at the school who confide in us," said Chris Haddon, one of the 'buddies' who volunteered his services.

"They are more likely to speak to us than their teachers.

"But bullying does happen – you see it going on in the classroom and the playground."

Colleague Natalie Wood added: "You don't think it's a problem as such when you don't see it.

"People hide away from it – but The Haven helps identify the problems."

Freya More, the third 'mentor' in the group, said: "We're here in the community area for anyone who needs us, and we will continue to be right through the year."

Mr Walker said that the club can work with guidance teachers like himself to root out any bullying at Elgin High.

Suffering the torment of bullying in the school playground can be a harrowing experience but at Elgin High, help is at hand through a group of senior pupils.

"If they are concerned, or if they have been involved in any incidents, they can approach the group, have a chat or just sit and play games," he said.

"This week, being Anti-Bullying Week, is to help advertise The Haven and make young people aware of it.

Grampian Police also launched a campaign in Forres today (Friday) aimed at tackling bullying head on.

Teaming up with Moray Council education officials and Moray Community Safety Partnership, the scheme sees officers and community wardens co-ordinate their efforts with staff from all eight secondary schools in Moray.

Posters and leaflets are being distributed throughout the area, advising parents and youngsters about the effects of bullying.

The campaign also hopes to get the message through to the bullies themselves, including those who may not be aware that their actions amount to bullying. It challenges young people to become more aware of how their actions and behaviour can affect the lives of others.

Forres Community Beat Officer, Constable Kevin Skivington, said that although policies are already in place to deal with problems in and around the playground, there are no measures in place to deal with anti-social behaviour away from schools.

"This initiative is designed to raise awareness of the issue and deal with it in a positive manner," he said.

"We are all aware of anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, noise nuisance and street disorder.

"The message we would like to get out is that bullying is also a form of anti-social behaviour and can have a significant impact on the victim, both now and in the future"

Purple and white rubber wristbands displaying the initiative headline 'Anti Bullying Respect', will be on sale at Moray secondary schools at the cost of £1. All profits from the sale of these wristbands will go to the national charity ChildLine.

Anyone wishing to report bullying is encouraged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700.

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