Arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, is backing an international campaign against school bullies.

The legendary three-times heavyweight world champion launched a trans-Atlantic conference for children, held simultaneously in the US, the UK and Ireland.

Ali and his wife Lonnie said they were deeply concerned about a growing culture of violence among young people.

In a statement the pair said: "At this time in history it is known youth bullying has been on the increase in many countries in the world and we are terribly concerned for the health and welfare of all children."

In London the event, organised in the UK by the charity Beatbullying, took place at the Bar Council, High Holburn.

The aim was to allow young people in different countries to discuss the issue of bullying.

England and Chelsea footballer Joe Cole is also backing the campaign.