SMILES were plastered all over Eastmuir Primary School yesterday as pupils celebrated their win in a national anti-bullying alliance competition - spearheaded by CBeebies star Andy and the Odd Socks.

The tots were crowned as winners after they shared a video on social media of them singing the band’s ‘Change’ in Makaton sign language.

As part of their prize, the school won a surprise performance from Andy and the Odd Socks, ambassadors of Odd Socks Day, who champion the campaign each year.

Andy said: “Having fun with a message in it is always best received in kids and in adults too. Music is the best way to do that.”

“It’s raising awareness and the competition is something that they can get involved with. It’s a nice, simple idea: you pop on a pair of odd socks and you celebrate your differences for the day. You’re kind to each other and you learn a lot - that’s the idea behind it.”

A whopping 56% of schools took part in the Odd Socks Day initiative across the country in 2019, reaching over 13,400 schools and a total of 5.3 million pupils and teachers. This increased from 41% of UK schools in 2018, with Andy and the Odd Socks continuing to spread the message and increasingly make it their mission to raise awareness of anti-bullying amongst primary school aged children through music and unity.

Head teacher Dominic Martin said: “The anti-bullying alliance fits in with what we are doing at the school - we’re supporting diversity and encouraging our young pupils to be champions of change particularly in attitudes in the wider society.”

“I think the motive is important because I think it is something everyone in society knows about and experiences.”

“It’s important for young people to identify what it is, to know that they’re not the only young person going through it and also to realise they they have the power to change attitudes across society.”

He added: “I think what the young people have learnt is that an act of kindness and to show that they care can go a long way.”