EDUCATION chiefs are planning a clampdown on truancy in a North-East town after new figures were revealed.

Darlington Borough Council officials are to hold talks with headteachers in the town about introducing a school pass system for pupils.

Such a scheme would mean any child approached by police or council officers during term time would need to produce a pass authorising their absence from school.

If they do not have a pass, they would face action from the authorities for playing truant.

The pass scheme could come into effect in September if it is supported by schools.

News of the development comes as a report to councillors revealed that absence from school figures in Darlington are higher than the national average.

Education bosses admit there are significant challenges associated with improving attendance for schools in the town.

The statistics reveal there were 71,144 days missed due to absence in 2003-04 in primary schools and 91,391 days in secondary schools.

The council's education welfare service, which supports schools in improving attendance, presently has 1,452 active cases.

Several initiatives designed to tackle the problem are already in operation.

They include radio adverts, a poster campaign in public buildings and more truancy sweeps.

The local authority also has the power to issue £50 fines to parents whose children persistently fail to attend school.

Children's services director Margaret Asquith said the proposed pass system could be an effective tool in combating truancy.