Residents in the Benwell area of Newcastle asked police to intervene after youngsters were spotted damaging playparks.

Officers from Northumbria Police, community beat managers and education officials carried out the sweep.

The force says it plans to carry out similar operations out in the future.

Officers teamed up with one of the city council's educational welfare officers and during the three day exercise returned 18 youths to school, including one who was at a special school for truants.

The initiative was organised by the Pathfinder team based in the West end of Newcastle.

'Targeted areas'

Made up of a sergeant and 10 community beat managers, the team is jointly funded by the police and the Newcastle Gateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder project.

Sergeant Paul Hamilton, who leads the team, said: "Our primary concern when we carry out these sweeps is the safety of youngsters who are not secure in a protected school environment.

"Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children regularly attend school.

"If they allow their child to become a persistent truant, such parents could be brought before the courts and may be fined up to �2,500.

"We targeted areas which had been identified from local intelligence as places where youngsters were hanging around and causing criminal damage.

"Our message to both pupils and parents is that in education every day counts."