A SECONDARY school boasts some of the best mannered pupils in Bolton after launching a scheme to produce the model citizens of the future.

George Tomlinson School in Kearsley was the first in the country to introduce the "Tree" scheme which encourages youngsters to adopt good social skills.

The headteacher, Tony Buckley, has been overwhelmed by the number of children making an effort to be polite.

The Government-funded "Tree" (Towards Responsibility in Education and Employment) project rewards the pupils' good behaviour with certificates.

Staff had expected the pupils to make an effort to be polite and behave well in the first few weeks following the launch of the scheme, but are thrilled that their enthusiasm is still as strong as ever two months down the line. Mr Buckley said: "I have noticed a real difference.

"The school is a nicer place to be in as everyone is so super-polite.

"We didn't think the older pupils would be as eager to take part, but they've all made just as much of an effort."

The same scheme has also been introduced in George Tomlinson's feeder primary schools of St Peter's, St Stephen's and Kearsley West in a bid to produce an entire generation of well-behaved pupils.

The project, which received £5,000 of Government cash, is centred on pupils being rewarded for good deeds by being given a leaf stamped in their homework diary. If they continue to behave well, they are presented with a certificate.