SHOPPING areas in parts of north Durham have been declared truancy-free zones this week.

Durham County Council and Durham Police have joined forces to cut the number of young people missing school.

Consett North, South Moor and the main shopping area of Stanley have been designated truancy-free action zones from today.

Posters, leaflets and stickers to make adults and young people aware of the action will be displayed.

Local business, community groups and other organisations are working with the county council's education welfare service to make their premises part of the zones to crack down on children out of school without a valid reason.

There will also be truancy sweeps, in which education welfare and police officers will patrol areas speaking to any youngster on their own or accompanied by adults.

Councillor Neil Foster, the county council's cabinet member for education, said: "Regular school attendance is extremely important to ensure that young people fulfil their potential.

"But it is equally important to keep young people safe and reduce the risk of them causing a nuisance in the community when they should be in school.

"By supporting this initiative, parents and the whole of the local community can play a huge part in helping young people make the most of their education while, at the same time, keeping the place safe for everyone."