A MOTHER-OF-TWO who regretted playing truant at school became determined to teach her children the value of attending classes.

Jeanette Loraine's encouragement has now paid off with her 16-year-old son, Lee, being officially recognised for not missing a day of lessons during almost 12 years.

Lee, of Bensham, Gateshead, racked up almost 4,000 days attendance at Alexander Road Nursery, Windmill Hills Primary and Kingsmeadow Community Comprehensive, between September 1990 and last June.

His outstanding feat was recognised by Gateshead's mayor, Councillor John Hamilton, when he invited Lee and his mother, Jeanette, to the mayor's parlour at Gateshead Civic Centre, for a presentation.

Lee was presented with a commendation from the mayor, to mark more than 3,700 days of continuous attendance at school, and a presentation was also made to his mother.

Jeanette said: "It was the proudest day of my life. The last couple of years at school I used to play truant a lot and regretted it. I have always encouraged my children to go to school."

Lee made his way to school once after pulling a muscle in his neck and not even a bus strike deterred him - he walked more than two miles to get to classes.

Lee said: "I was determined to leave school with not just my qualifications, but also a perfect attendance record. It was something that I thought could help me find a job once I left school."

Soon after leaving Kingsmeadow, in June, he gained a place on a training scheme and hopes to become a fully trained and qualified joiner in the next few years.

But Lee's achievement could be matched soon - with his 12-year-old sister, Annmarie, having a similar attendance record to her brother's so far in her school life.

Councillor Ian Mearns, the deputy leader of Gateshead Council said: "Lee's record is remarkable, and certainly deserved to be recognised by his award.

"The award was given not only to Lee to recognise his determination to attend school each day, but also to his mother, who recognised the importance of a good education, not only for Lee, but also for his younger sister."