Durham County Council has teamed up with Durham Police to tackle the number of young people missing school.

Sacriston, Pelton and the main shopping area of Chester-le-Street are the latest areas to be designated truancy free action zones, from Friday.

Dozens of posters, leaflets and stickers will be distributed around the area to make people aware.

Businesses, community groups and other organisations are working with the council's education welfare service to make their premises part of the zones.

There will also be truancy sweeps with areas patrolled to speak to anyone of school age on their own or with parents.