Education minister Ivan Lewis has launched a scheme that will see anti-bullying experts based in every region of the country.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) will consist of over 50 expert organisations acting as a national agency.

They are intended to provide schools, local education authorities and parents with practical help, advice and support in tackling all forms of bullying in schools.

Lewis discussed the aims of the new initiative at an anti-bullying summit in London.

He said that the experts would run an annual national anti-bullying week of events and activities in schools across England.

"The Alliance's national lead on anti-bullying and the regionally based experts that will support schools, parents and local education authorities will be a crucial part of our action to show no tolerance to bullying," he said.

"Bullying is not a 'part of growing up'. Bullying is not 'character building'. Bullying is physical or emotional assault, and can lead to the most tragic consequences.

"I am confident that the Anti-Bullying Alliance, working in partnership with schools, teachers and parents will play a key role in tackling it."

Former television presented Esther Rantzen, chairman of ChildLine, will act as president of the ABA.

She said the new initiative would be "a terrific way to spread practical information to schools across the UK".

The Anti-Bullying Alliance will receive £570,000 funding in its first year, commencing work with the new school year in September, and will be based at the National Children's Bureau.