PUPILS from schools in Thornaby and Stockton will be given the chance to scoop a monster reward just for going to school.

The youngsters, who are taking part in Stockton Borough Council's Schools Tackling Absence and Rewarding Success (Stars) programme, could soon be looking after Sulley and Mikey from Monsters Inc. if their school has the most improved attendance for a term.

The Stars programme, which is being run by the council's education social work service, was launched in September in a bid to raise the profile of the importance of attending school.

It means the youngsters in participating schools, who attend school for 98 per cent or more of the academic year will be rewarded for their efforts.

Middlesbrough Football Club has already signed up to work in partnership with the council to provide treats for pupils.

The Asda store in Thornaby, Tfm Radio and the Hollywood Bowl at Teesside Park have also agreed help to encourage school attendance.

The monsters have been donated by Asda and will spend a term with the winning school until the next term's attendance figures are added up.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "It is vital that we encourage pupils to enjoy coming to school and to recognise the enormous benefits of not missing a single day of their education. I am delighted that so many people are supporting us with this programme and hope the rewards on offer will be a real incentive to youngsters.