Cartoonist Steve Donald, from Viz adult comic, has joined forces with pupils from Joseph Swann School in Gateshead on the project.

They have come up with a new cartoon character - Constructive Negotiation Man.

He will figure on a new leaflet, called Getting Past the Brick Wall, aimed at 13 and 14 year olds on Tyneside.

Young peacemakers

It will show them how to negotiate with their parents, and will also show youngsters how to become peacemakers.

The scheme is the idea of the Gateshead and Newcastle Consumer Partnership.

There are other projects, in addition to the negotiation leaflet, due to be developed in Gateshead.

They include an audiotape of interviews about consumer advice problems and solutions for local people who have visual impairments or reading difficulties.

There will also be a free mediation service at Gateshead County Court, for local people to resolve consumer disputes.