Awards won by pupils' support group.

A friend in need is a friend indeed for a group of kindhearted pupils at a Stockton school.

Six youngsters at Our Lady and St Bede RC School in Bishopton Road help run a support base for autistic and vulnerable pupils.

Now they have been presented with Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Awards which recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements of young people.

Teacher Jacqui Wilson, who nominated the youngsters, said: "These pupils help other children find their classes and generally put themselves out to make sure they are OK. They listen to their worries and will also alert teachers to any problems the other pupils might be having in lessons."

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor visited the school to present the awards to Helen Cheeseman and Joanne Brown, both 16, Stephen Umpleby and Phillip Mason, 14, and 13-year-olds Steven Dresser and Jordan Abbot.

Mrs Taylor said: "The contributions made by these pupils to their school and fellow pupils is admirable and long may they continue."