Parents whose children are playing truant from school, are being warned about their absences in a new project in Liverpool.

Council staff call parents to offer guidance and make sure they are aware of their child's truancy record.

A pilot scheme led to 70% of pupils involved improving their attendance.

A third of the children managed a 90% attendance rate.

'Huge success'

The project will run in the city for four weeks every term.

Parents are called between 1700 GMT and 2100 GMT, when education staff explain the impact of the truancy, and offer advice on where to get support.

Ron Collinson, Liverpool City Council's principal attendance officer, said: "The truancy pilot was a huge success, with hundreds of youngsters making a marked improvement in attendance.

"By running it for four weeks every term, we hope to help many more families.

"It is a major part of our drive to continue improving attendance rates in the city."