A web site set-up to tackle bullying recorded almost 50,000 hits in one month.

Coastkid, launched earlier this year by Brighton and Hove City Council, had almost 1,000 visitors, many of whom spent an average of 12 minutes per visit online.

The council created a series of nine characters called Coastkids in a virtual Brighton school.

It is hoped users can relate to and use their experiences to understand bullying or find out how to get help.

Project manager Fergus Crow said: "Site users can hang out with the Coastkids themselves and learn about their families, relationships and interests out of school as well as what they think of the other Coastkids.

"Users can then follow them through a series of interactive scenarios which allow them to explore a variety of bullying issues."

The website was also a finalist in this year's New Statesman New Media Awards in the e-government category.

Other linked themes and issues raised by the site include racism, homophobia and sexual bullying.

For more information, call Fergus Crow on 01273 293540 or log on to www.coastkid.org