THE mother of a Darlington boy who suffers from a rare lung condition has launched a campaign to change the way schools nationally record pupils' classroom absence.

Adam Cameron, 13, suffers from obliterative broncholitis and is often forced to miss school to attend specialist hospital appointments in Newcastle.

His mother, Joanne, has received numerous letters from Haughton Community School, at the Education Village, to say his attendance has fallen below its target of 90 per cent.

"If a child with a disability or medical condition needs to attend vital and inevitable hospital appointments they are penalised by having it recorded in their school attendance, " she said.

"This is what I am campaigning against, along with Breathtakers, the national charity which offers help and support to people who suffer with Adam's condition.

"I propose that appointments are excluded when calculating attendance figures, which would be hugely beneficial to both the school and the child.

"Disabled children face enough challenges in life without being hampered further by a poor attendance record.

"School attendance is taken into account in college and university applications, which is clearly a disadvantage for disabled children.

"Attendance policies do not make provision for children with recognised medical conditions and disabilities - this has to change. Our children are entitled to be treated fairly - surely anymother can understand that."

Mrs Cameron has started an e-petition and is planning to approach Darlington MP Jenny Chapman to support her cause.

"This is a real national issue which I think many people will be able to relate to.

I am expecting a lot of support, said Mrs Cameron.

"I am using allmeans atmy disposal and have already been promoting the petition through Twitter. I'll also be getting in touch with large employers from the town and asking them to show their support A Department for Education spokesman said: "All children are entitled to a fulltime education - every lesson counts. Pupils with disabilities or medical conditions may need extra support and we expect schools and local authorities to work with parents to prevent any disruption to their child's education."

To sign the petition go to epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23709.