A PROJECT has given secondary school pupils have gained an insight into how to cope with the stresses of 21st century life.

Pupils and staff from the Marches Academy Trust took part in the Peace Advocate Project, supported by members of several Rotary Clubs.

On February 13-14, 30 students and members of staff from The Marches School, Sir John Talbot School in Whitchurch and The Grove School, Market Drayton.

The course, led by Jean and Keith Best, aims to enable youngsters to become leaders, as well as educating them on issues such as online and text bullying.

A Rotary Club of Oswestry spokesman said: "The young people who attended this course have made a commitment to doing something about these issues in their schools that will hopefully have a positive impact not just in schools but across their local communities.

"By developing their own service projects in their schools and training successive year groups of future peace advocates.

"By learning apparently simple techniques such as listening carefully and non-judgmentally to what someone is saying and practicing conflict resolution skills. They have learnt to understand the need to avoid stereotypical responses to individuals, cultures and beliefs by becoming."