RESIDENTS can make savings on their family holidays - providing they do not go away during school term time.

Hartlepool Borough Council has teamed up with Hays Travel to offer ten per cent off holidays taken before August 2007, which could save families hundreds of pounds.

All parents have to do to receive the discount is get their child's school to sign the discount voucher and take it along to Hays Travel, in the town's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

Jackie Webb, the council's school attendance manager, said: "It is a well-known fact that holidays taken in school time can save people money, but you cannot put a price on your child's education.

"Children only get one chance at school and, if they are going to make the most of that opportunity, it is so important that they don't miss vital lessons because of family holidays.

"Hartlepool council is committed to maximising the potential of every child in Hartlepool and good, consistent attendance is pivotal to this.

"It is hoped that the extra financial incentive will encourage parents not to keep their children off school during term time, and we are pleased to team up with Hays Travel on this initiative."

Hays Travel can be contacted on (01429) 869891.