Police in Bakewell helped develop the idea after a rise in the number of reported assaults on the school bus.

It was introduced a year ago at Lady Manners School where bullies are now told they will be handed an anti-social behaviour order if they do not stop.

Over the past 12 months, 53 warning letters have been sent out and the number of incidents has fallen sharply.

It's nice to see, for once, the small group of people who cause these problems, the so-called bullies, put on the back foot Pc Kevin Lowe

After receiving a warning letter, offenders are given two more chances to moderate their behaviour.

If this does not work they are presented with a voluntary behaviour contract, which lasts for six months.

If this is also breached, the matter moves to the courts and an anti-social behaviour order.

Pc Kevin Lowe, a Community Beat Officer in Bakewell, felt the scheme showed bullying would not be tolerated.

He said: "If you behave in this antisocial way and we will take action against you.

"It's nice to see, for once, the small group of people who cause these problems, the so-called bullies, put on the back foot."