CHILDREN who play truant are to be targeted in a crackdown in Middlesbrough.

Today marks the start of a national initiative to tackle the problem of young people missing lessons without a valid excuse.

An educational social worker and a police officer will be visiting the town centre and surrounding estates.

They will patrol a number of areas across Middlesbrough to challenge any young person of school age, whether they are with an adult or on their own, to ask them why they are not in class.

If the youngster cannot provide a satisfactory reason for their absence, they will be taken back to school or made to go home.

"Parents who let their children truant or stay off school without a valid reason are short-changing them," said Middlesbrough councillor Paul Thompson, executive member for education.

"We will prosecute any parent who is failing in their responsibility to see their child gets a decent education."

Secondary school-aged pupils who are out of school for legitimate reasons will have to have a pass, authorised by the school.

Coun Thompson said members of the public could help by supporting the scheme to get Middlesbrough youngsters off the streets and into school.

He said: "I would also urge people to use our truancy hotline to report in confidence any concerns they have."

"This will allow us to target the trawls wherever there is a problem."

"School is the right place for our children so let's make sure they get there."

Shops in the town centre and Coulby Newham have already been asked to refuse to serve young people who visit their premises during school hours.

The idea has now been extended to cover North Ormesby and plans are in place to cover other areas in the future.

Coun Thompson said: "This week we will see a drive to reduce truancy, but people need to be aware that truancy trawls happen every week during term time in Middlesbrough, so there will be no let up."

Anyone who has information about any young person who is staying away from school is asked to call the hotline on 0800 169 2665 and leave a message.