The authority can now issue a penalty notice of up to �100 to the parents of children who have missed school.

These include cases of absence without acceptable cause, excessive holidays in term time, pupils caught on truancy sweeps and persistent lateness.

The penalty notices could be sent out after just one warning.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "It is essential that parents and carers take heed of this letter.

"Families who are looking to book their main holiday should also be aware that taking holidays in term time can also be viewed as unauthorised absence."