The Liverpool Echo has its own anti-bullying tsar after winning funding from Comic Relief.

As a dedicated Bullybusters project co-ordinator, Kayte Garston is to spearhead the fundraising and publicity for the Echo's telephone helpline which tackles the problem of bullying.

The paper launched the Bullybusters helpline in September after teaming up with six local education authorities, and Kayte now plans to help raise its profile among schools.

She also hopes to get schools involved in anti-bullying projects, and will act as an important link between them and the newspaper.

She has already drawn up an action plan to let victims of bullying know that they need not suffer in silence.

Kayte said: "There is a very thin line between banter and bullying, and I do not think young people always recognise that.

"They must realise the difference between having a laugh and actually hurting someone.

"Bullying is a serious problem that can cause mental illness and even suicide.

"Bullies see victims as an easy target. They forget these people have feelings. We have to get the consequences of their actions across to them."

The Bullybusters helpline has already received more than 1,000 calls, resulting in 44 formal referals where bullying has been ivestigated and stopped.

Kayte said: "I want ringing the helpline to be second nature so it is the obvious thing to do as soon as someone is bullied.

"I also want young people to be aware of what happens when the call gets through, even if it is just a listening ear."