PUPILS at a special school beat 200 other applicants to win a prestigious award for creating an anti-bullying app.

Boys at Langham Oaks Special School, which caters for youngsters with social, emotional and mental health needs, designed the Schools Anti Bullying App (SABA), which can be used on smartphones.

The app allows victims of bullying to report it discretely and offers support to pupils anytime and anywhere.

Nick Oxley, Alex Stephens, Jack Swanson, Ray Grice and Harrison Sams worked tirelessly to develop and market their software, showing it off at a range of different schools and even to Prince William.

The five were named Team of the Year at the Engage in their Future 2016 National Award Ceremony in Bristol earlier this month.

The boys worked in conjunction with Suffolk-based software company, Coderus, and the Diana-Award for the project.

Judges praised the team's belief and continued unfaltering enthusiasm for their invention, which has helped raise their self esteem.

Headteacher Emma Paramor said: "I am delighted at the student’s commitment and relentlessness in making the app a reality and supporting other young people throughout Essex."