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Gandalf in town to wage war on bullies
A Wigan school's commitment to tackling bullying has earned it a visit from Lord Of The Rings star Sir Ian McKellen.
The international star of stage and screen, most famous to youngsters as wizard Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, entranced pupils of Golborne High as he wholeheartedly lent his support to their work.
Sir Ian, who lived in Wigan from a few months old to the age of 12, has been a prominent member of the organisation Stonewall, which has campaigned against homophobic discrimination.
Golborne High's anti-bullying policy covers all manner of prejudices, and both mental and physical ill-treatment of children.
The actor, who himself is openly gay, toured the building, looked at bullying-related artwork, was treated to a number of playlets and met the school council to discuss the policy in greater detail.
Addressing the pupils, he asked anyone who had been bullied to put their hands up and most arms were raised.
He then asked if anyone had been a bully and fewer arms were raised.
Sir Ian said it was noticeable that some pupils had put their hands up twice, and confessed that at times in his past he too had been both bullied and a bully.
He told the assembled pupils: "Gandalf does not put up with bullies!"
Sir Ian told staff he had been very impressed by everything he saw.
The knight was also full of praise for Wigan Council's contribution to beating bullying in schools, adding that it was always important for those being persecuted to have someone to whom they could turn.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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