Truancy patrols regularly operate in town centres

A new scheme has been launched in north east Lincolnshire which aims to get children playing truant back into the classroom.

"Truancy Watch" is a partnership between Humberside Police and education welfare officers.

At the centre of the scheme is a special telephone number which the public can ring to report any youngster they suspect of playing truant.

The number will be advertised on stickers and posters in shops, buses and leisure and community centres.

Truancy patrol

Police constable Debbie Burres said: "Police and education welfare officers in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham are regularly on truancy patrol.

"The new scheme allows those patrols to target areas where the children hang out.

"We hope that by asking the public to call the hotline we can achieve better school attendance, lower crime rates and a safer environment for our children."

Out of every 100 pupils in secondary education in North East Lincolnshire, at least one is absent every day.