SCHOOLS in Stockton are to receive awards this week for improving pupil attendance.

Certificates will be presented to four schools by Stockton Council, which has worked with schools across the borough to improve attendance.

Egglescliffe Comprehensive had the highest attendance for a secondary school and Billingham Campus Comprehensive was the most improved.

Mill Lane was the most improved primary and St Therese of Lisieux had the highest overall attendance.

Polly Hampton, manager of the council's education and social work service, said: "Pupils have got to be there to make the most of the chances education provides."