BEHAVIOUR and attendance consultants are to become the latest weapon to stop Dorset schoolchildren from 'bunking lessons' or picking on their classmates.

The specialised consultants are being hired by county education chiefs as part of a new government offensive to quash bullying, truancy and anti-social behaviour in schools.

Additional training, new teaching aids for pupils, regional conferences, hard-hitting films, and an anti-bullying charter are also part of the national drive to improve the quality of school life for thousands of children.

Existing measures used in schools include peer support programmes whereby youngsters are trained to help other children caught in the midst of bullying, or truancy patrols in town centres and areas where pupils are known to hide once they 'skip' school.

Liz Tripp, education spokesperson for Dorset County Council, said: "Under this new programme we've been allocated two of these consultants. One started work this week and the second is due to be advertised shortly.

"Their job will be to help secondary and middle schools' management of pupil behaviour."

Cllr Tony Woodcock, cabinet portfolio holder for learning in Poole, said: "Poole LEA welcomes the new measures unveiled by the education minister yesterday.

"All Poole schools have effective policies in place to tackle bullying. Bullying, improving behaviour and attendance are issues which schools and the LEA take very seriously because they are essential for raising standards.

"Poole has recently appointed a behaviour and attendance consultant for Key Stage Three, funded by the government, who will work alongside staff within Poole LEA in their continuing work to combat bullying. Any additional measures and publicity which the government takes is therefore to be welcomed."

Cllr Richard Smith, Bournemouth's cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: "Bournemouth LEA welcomes these new initiatives from the government to tackle bullying and support victims. They should complement the anti-bullying policies that Bournem-outh's schools already have in place."