STREET patrols are to be mounted in Hartlepool as part of a clampdown on truancy.

Police and staff from Hartlepool Borough Council will be touring the town during a week-long campaign.

Children will be stopped and asked to explain why they are not at school, while adults accompanying children will also be asked to account for their absence.

The local clampdown begins on Monday and is part of a national initiative coordinated by the Department of Education and Skills and the Home Office.

It will involve educational social workers working closely with the police, community wardens, staff from organisations such as Sure Start and other anti-truancy initiatives operating in the town.

Julie Armstrong, Hartlepool Local Education Authority (LEA) attendance manager, said: "Patrols will be mounted every day targeting streets in various parts of the town and the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

"The community wardens which operate in several areas, will also be assisting us by stopping children on their own or adults with children.

"Where appropriate, they will be taking names and addresses and passing these on to the education department."

She said that arrangements were also being made for schools to have a reception point for children returned during the operation.

Mrs Armstrong said: "Standards in our schools are rising and the LEA is committed to providing the best possible education for the town's young people. However, to do that we must get them into the classroom.

"Some parents might not be aware their children are missing school, but previous experience also shows many condone absence."

The LEA prefers to work closely with parents, but Mrs Armstrong said that prosecution remained an option if they refuse to cooperate.