A CHARITY which aims to stamp out bullying is determined to continue carrying out its ‘essential work ’ — despite twice being turned down for a local grant.

Charlie Barratt, who runs Harmony Youth Project, says he is ‘gutted’ his organisation has again been turned down for a grant for £1,500 from a pot of local money to tackle hate crime in the borough.

He said: “Harmony Youth Project was established in May 2001, with over 16 years successful track record of working with the most deprived and disaffected young people in Bolton.

“It has set up B-Free.

“We applied last year for this grant for this organisation and were unsuccessful.

“It is a big setback.

“The town has a special fund to tackle hate crime in the borough and to be rejected twice is like a kick in the teeth.

“The money would have paid for training and workshops in schools, explaining to children in primary and secondary schools the effects of bullying and other forms of hate crime. Harmony Youth Project/B-free will continue the positive work through 2017.”

Recent projects have included working with year six children and training them through various workshops to start a friendship buddies scheme to promote good relationships among pupils.

Anyone who can help B-Free should call 01204 496161.