A CALL for kindness been made by Tranent residents after a man from the town with additional support needs was targeted by cruel bullies.

And the headteacher of Ross High School has apologised on behalf of the school to the bullied man and his family.

Jamie Lusk, well-known and liked in Tranent, has recently faced harassment from some of the town’s youngsters.

Close family friend Katie Mcintyre said that 32-year-old Jamie, who lives in the town with dad George and mum Jane, had a “heart of gold” and was a “happy go lucky lad” who liked to “do his own thing and not bother anyone”.

A football and music fan, Jamie volunteers at Fa’side Community Kitchen and sometimes helps George, a builder. He also attends clubs such as those at Loretto School’s chapel hall, which is run by people with additional needs, and the Pennypit Trust.

But when on Tranent High Street, on more than one occasion in the past few weeks, Jamie has fallen victim to bullying by local teens.

George had said of the most recent incidents, “I think it is now getting out of hand”, and called for witnesses to come forward.

Katie, a support worker, claimed it was pupils from Ross High School who were taunting, tormenting and saying horrible things to Jamie out of “pure malice”, with Jamie having done nothing to provoke the youths.

One incident, on April 22, took place outside Tranent’s Greggs store.

A passer-by, Tyler Buchanan, felt obliged to step in and defend Jamie, which resulted in the bullies turning on her.

A second incident, not long after, saw 24-year-old Bethan Shankie, who works at Nettie’s takeaway in Tranent, step in to defend Jamie.

She said: “They were just messing him about and I hate to see it, so I just told them all to ‘beat it’.

“I’d seen his dad had put on Facebook it was happening all the time, so I had to step in.”

Katie said Nettie’s, which is on the site of the former Old Potters Bakery and is run by Katie’s friend Lynnette Shields, was a safe haven for Jamie to escape any bullying behaviour.

After the two most recent incidents, Jamie gave both women a bunch of flowers to thank them for supporting him.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Everyone in Ross High School is clear that these incidents are completely unacceptable.

“Headteacher Paul Reynolds has been working closely with local police; however, it has not yet been possible to identify those responsible.

“Mr Reynolds has also spoken directly with the man’s family to apologise on behalf of the school community and reassure them that Ross High takes such reports seriously.

“Being responsible and respectful members of the community is discussed regularly within the school’s classes and assemblies; the majority of young people uphold these values.

“It is very disappointing that the individuals involved have not displayed the behaviours expected of them.”

Katie said: “I think what gets to me the most is that Jamie has a heart as big as himself.

“He should be able to walk up and down High Street without any fear of anybody having a go at him.

“I think some of the kids don’t even realise and understand what they are doing or the effect it has.”

She added that Jamie now tried to avoid being in the town centre at school lunchtimes so to minimise the potential for further incidents, saying he was “more aware now”.

And now Katie is calling for more awareness of bullying, saying it is an issue in the community – and adults as well as children are subject to it.

She said: “It’s ignorance, sheer and utter ignorance, and absolutely ridiculous.

“Just because someone looks different and acts different, it doesn’t mean you should act like that. It’s out of order and needs to stop.

“If you see a person that has one arm or one leg or is a double amputee, don’t stare – just ask questions and get them to explain. They will be more than happy to tell you.

“Education is a brilliant thing. Parents need to teach their kids a bit more; education of the younger generation is something that needs to be looked at.”