POLICE officers are teaming up with the Education Social Work Service (ESWS) in the Hambleton District next week to crack down on truancy.

The truancy sweeps, which are part a national programme, will see officers and ESWS staff approaching any youngsters of school age to establish why they are not in school.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said questions would still be asked even if the children are accompanied by an adult.

He said: "Reasons for non school attendance are many and sometimes complex. Full work will be undertaken by education social workers and schools as appropriate."