A LEADING sock and hosiery brand based in Bolton has launched an anti-bullying campaign.

Sockshop, which employs around 50 people in the borough, is teaming up with the charity Kidscape for the campaign, named Bully-free Zone.

The project was launched as children return to full time eduction in school after being home-schooled during lockdown, meaning they are more likely to worry about bullying as they meet their peers.

Sockshop's campaign aims to raise awareness of bullying and to educate both children and adults in what they can do to tackle the issue.

Bullying can take the form of physical or verbal abuse, and can occur in person or online, termed cyber bullying.

Many children are often too scared to tell their parents or guardians if they are being bullied, so the initiative also intends to make adults aware of what the signs of bullying are.

These including children becoming withdrawn, frequently getting upset or crying, and dramatic and irrational mood swings.

As part of the campaign, Sockshop are donating 10per cent of the price of their Elmer Patchwork Bamboo socks to Kidscape.

The socks come in all sizes inviting anyone to support the campaign.

A spokesman from Sockshop said:“We are happy to be continuing our partnership with Kidscape and lending our support with the Bully-Free Zone campaign and donations from the sale of our Elmer the Patchwork Elephant socks.

"These actions aim to raise awareness of an issue that affects so many and help Kidscape to continue the incredible work they do to help children, young people and their families to deal with and overcome these issues.”

Kidscape is a a UK charity based in London which was set up in 1985 by child psychologist Michele Elliott.

It aims to protect children by providing practical support, training and advice to challenge bullying.

You can find out more about the campaign here.