A 13-year-old girl who says she was bullied for three years has channelled her struggles into rapping.

Katie Higgins, who goes to St Mary's Catholic High School in Astley, alleges she was assaulted and subjected to persistent name-calling.

She has written and recorded raps that have helped her to deal with the way she has been victimised.

Leigh Journal:

Her mum Sammie Howard, 33, said: "Katie used to be a happy and bubbly child but now she is quiet and keeps herself to herself.

"She has been beaten up badly and told that she is ugly.

"Katie spends a lot of time in her bedroom writing and rapping – she loves it.

"She has been doing it for the last few years.

"She writes about how she is feeling, her family and where she wants to be in life."

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Sammie shared a video of Katie rapping on social media on Sunday, which led to the teenager receiving heaps of praise and support.

"It's been so overwhelming," Sammie said.

"The video was shared more than 14,000 times online and there has been a massive amount of comments.

"Katie has been crying about the response.

"I've had music producers getting in touch with me to say they would like Katie to record her raps in the studio.

"I am really proud of Katie and she should be so proud of herself."

Leigh graphic designer Bradley Edwards has also contacted Sammie to ask if Katie could collect ideas to create a logo related to her rap performances.

Sammie says she is in the process of getting Katie transferred to another school.

St Mary’s High School head teacher Andrew Dawson said: “We take all allegations of bullying very seriously.

“Although we cannot comment on individual cases, we can confirm that any instances that were brought to our attention were dealt with in line with school policy and with pupil wellbeing at its heart.

“We have contacted the family in order to find a suitable resolution.”