TWO parents have been given suspended jail sentences for failing to ensure their children regularly attended school.

Amanda Kelly and Paul Evans, both from Darlington, were warned that if their children's attendance did not improve within a year, they could be automatically sent to prison.

The prosecutions were brought by Darlington Borough Council and it is the first time a parent from the borough has been given a suspended jail sentence for failing to ensure their child attended school.

Mr Evans' son had not attended Beaumont Hill School at all since September, and two of Ms Kelly's children had attendance records of less than 20 per cent at Eastbourne Comprehensive School.

Both parents appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, where they were told they would be supervised by probation services for the 12 months.

Speaking at her home last night, single mother-of-seven Ms Kelly, 43, told The Northern Echo her children were now attending school regularly.

"It was horrible going to court. I was so frightened. I've never been in trouble in my life and now I'm having to report to probation services," she said.

"I'm just by myself and the kids have been bullied at school before. I don't want anyone thinking I'm not bothered about them, of course I am."

One of her daughters said: "We're going back to school now to stop mam getting more hassle."

Mr Evans, 49, could not be contacted by The Northern Echo yesterday.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said its education welfare support unit had worked with both families, but when the children continued missing lessons it was decided to take the matter to court.

She said: "We want to work with parents to make sure both they and their children understand the importance of going to school, but in cases where parents will not support us we will take action against them.

"Going to court is not an easy option for us, but where children's education and future is at risk we will do everything in our power to make sure they go to school."