A campaign has been launched on Teesside to get truant tearaways back behind their desks.

Police officers, police community support officers and street wardens have been briefed to challenge school children who they see in the street and escort them back to class.

Posters printed with a telephone hotline urging people to report truants are also going up in shopping precincts, libraries and police stations across the Middlesbrough area.

The posters warn parents they face prosecution if their child is playing truant. Parents will receive a visit from a truancy officer if their child is stopped and questioned.

The joint operation is in response to a rise in numbers of Middlesbrough children playing truant from school and getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

Police Inspector Charlie Bell said: "By confronting these youngsters on the streets and returning them to school, not only will we reduce the level of truancy, but incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime should drop.

"Most truants gather in groups and in some instances if large numbers congregate that can create fear of crime, particularly in older people who may feel intimidated.

"During this campaign our officers, police community support officers and street wardens will be focused on their patrols, engaging with young people on the streets and, if they are playing truant, getting them back into school.''

Terry Murphy, crime and disorder co-ordinator for the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership, said: "If a youngster isn't in school then there is every chance he or she is up to no good.

"Not only does the child's education suffer but the community can also suffer in the form of crime and anti-social behaviour and an increase in the fear of crime.

"The campaign will ensure children are in school and will reduce crime and disorder in Middlesbrough.''

Dave Johnson, head of inclusion for the Local Education Authority, said: "By not attending their school, young people miss out not only on their education, but also socially and on the broader experience that school provides.''

The truancy hotline number is 0800 169 2665.