PARENTS have been given a fresh warning about the consequences of not sending their children to school after education bosses fined persistent offenders.

Darlington Borough Council has given out its first fines to parents whose children have repeatedly played truant from school.

In January, the authority's education welfare service gained the power to fine parents.

The council said yesterday that it had handed out four notices for offences in the first half of the year.

Three of the sets of parents initially received a warning letter about their children's attendance, telling them it had to improve within 15 days or a fixed penalty notice would be issued.

The fourth did not receive a warning at first, because the parent had asked for permission to take their child out of school on holiday.

The refusal of the holiday request by the school acted as that parent's warning to improve their child's attendance.

All four have now received the £50 fine, which must be paid within 28 days or the fine will increase to £100.

If the £100 fine is not paid within 42 days, the council could take the parents to court for failing to send their children to school.

All the children involved were from comprehensive schools in the town and had attended less than 80 per cent of their lessons in the past six months.

All had recorded more than ten unauthorised absences from school.

Schools in Darlington work with the council to identify pupils who are not attending, and parents are contacted to see if there are problems.

Councillor Chris McEwan said: "It is important that both children and parents understand the importance of going to school.

"There is help and advice available for any parents who are concerned about their children and I would urge they get in touch before any more fixed penalty notices are issued."