A group of Bristol teenagers have been honoured for raising awareness of racist bullying.

The youngsters researched the issue in their schools and made two DVDs, one aimed at students and one at teachers.

Their project, backed by Leading Edge, an organisation funded by the Children's Society, was honoured with a Diana Award.

This is a scheme set up by the Government in 1999 as part of the official plans to commemorate the princess. In February 2007, it became an independent charity.

The teenagers, from schools including City Academy, Bristol Brunel Academy and Bristol Metropolitan College, went to London to receive the award from scheme patron Esther Rantzen.

Niisha Hirami, a worker with Leading Edge, said about 18 youngsters, including some refugees and asylum seekers, had been involved with the project, which had created a valuable resource for schools.

They had carried out research, interviewing 35 students and 23 teachers. While 82 per cent of teachers questioned thought bullying was becoming less of a problem in schools, 57 per cent of the young people thought it was getting worse. The study also found that many pupils found schools' anti-bullying policies unclear.

The DVDs urge schools to acknowledge the problem and take clear steps to tackle it. They also encourage students to "Speak Up and Stamp It Out".

Layla Ali, 16, said: "We are proud of the DVD we made."

Asiya Hassan, 14, said: "It was fun making it. We learned a lot and we explored a lot of issues."

Esra Ibrahim 16, said: "I think we achieved a lot too."

Habiba Omar, 16, said: "I hope it will help other people who are getting hurt."