What makes a good friend? How long do best friends stay together, and do they ever fall out? Children's Express reporters quiz Newcastle children about the friends who stick by them.
| We don’t fall out because we like each other so much. She’s never done anything bad to me. |
Nicole Grey, 10, Walker: A real friend is someone you might play with, who doesn't lie or steal. My ideal friend is funny, mad, not bothered about how people look or speak. My best friend is my best friend because I've known her since nursery. I'd just started my new school and I'd been there two weeks, and she came running over, shouting 'Hello, hello. Play with me.' We go to parks together and to gymnastics, trampolining and dancing. I fall out with some friends sometimes as they pick on my other friend.
Carly Storey, 11, Walker: My best friend is my best friend because they keep secrets. I've known her for four years. We met at school. We go to the park together where there are loads of lads. I sometimes fall out with my friends because they're being bitchy. I think the worst thing she's ever done is ask this lad out for me at school and I don't like him.
Amy Soanes, 9, Cowgate: To be a good friend you have to be nice and kind and helpful. My best friend is to me. I've known her for seven years. I met her in nursery. We just ran and cuddled each other. We don't fall out because we like each other so much. She's never done anything bad to me. I think I'll know her for the rest of my life. Today I went to Metroland with her. It's her birthday. I think it's better to have one best friend than loads because if you've got loads, you always end up arguing.
Tammy McFarlane, 10, Walker: My best friends are my best friends because they're nice to me. The best thing about my best friend is that she's always happy. We met at school. I've known her for eight years. I go trampolining with her. I fall out with her sometimes because she shows off.
Rachel Smith, 10, Walker: I met my best friend at school. We've known each other three years. We don't ever fall out and I think we'll know each for the rest of our lives.
Gemma Smith, 13, Walker: My ideal friend is kind, nice and caring for people. My best friends are my best friends because they understand what I do and if I ever get picked on they sort it out for me. We go to the park and sometimes to the shops. I've known them since primary school. Sometimes we fall out because they call me names and say things behind my back. I don't like it. I think it's best to have a lot of friends because then you can go out with all of them and not leave anyone out.
Anthony Smith, 12, Walker: I met my best friend in the park. We've known each other four years and I think we'll know each other for the rest of our lives. My best friends are my best friends because they help me. We fall out sometimes because they call me.
Shaun Marshall, 11, Walker: My best friends are that because they're funny. I met my best friend when I was in the little park and he said 'Do you want a game of football?' and I said 'Aye.' We just play football. He's a good little footballer. I've known him a couple of months. We haven't fallen out.
Shellie Lockyer, 10, Cowgate: I met my best friend in nursery. We don't get up to much really, but we went out today. She's got a big smile. I've got loads of friends, but I've only got one best friend. I think it's better, so you don't argue with all your other ones.
About the team
This story was produced by Cheryl Paxton, 11, and Scott Rainey, 11. Junior Jury is a weekly column published in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.
