A WEEK-long clampdown on truancy which was run by Langbaurgh police with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's education department, resulted in 161 children being found absent from school.

Operation Detention was launched last week to counteract increasing concerns over the number of children gathering in public places when they should be in the classroom.

It involved officers from the Neighbourhood Task Group and education social workers working in teams to carry out stop checks on children in public areas during school hours, including children accompanied by an adult.

The operation was supported by local schools, with shops and stores in the area assisting by displaying Truancy Free Zone posters.

Of those stopped 64 had legitimate reasons, such as study leave for GCSE exams, to be away from school and 13 were absent because of family holidays and illness. But the remaining 84 had dubious excuses for being out of class, ranging from having slept in to a sore toe.

Superintendent Dave Horner, of Langbaurgh police, said; "Children playing truant invariably cause problems for the local community. Many get involved in petty crime and anti-social behaviour when they should be in school.

"The operation which covered the whole of the Langbaurgh police district proved so successful we will be repeating it on future occasions."