PARENTS today warned education bosses to "get it right" if they are planning to dish out on-the-spot truancy fines.

Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council education authorities have revealed that parents could be charged £50 if their children are taken out of school without permission during term time.

Some parents welcomed the move but others condemned the steps as "harsh" and open to error.

The Government gave councils the power to use the fines earlier this year and now both councils have decided to use them. The fine will rise to £100 if it is not paid within 28 days. This will be followed by a threat of the magistrates courts.

Susan Moody, of Fecitt Brow, Blackburn, received an apology from Lancashire education bosses after being accused of keeping her son out of Rhyddings County High, Oswaldtwistle.

The 36-year-old received threats of action over truancy in May despite being told by teachers to keep her 15-year-old son Liam Jones away after he dislocated his knee.

She said: "I wouldn't mind the use of fixed fines. Children should be in school and the school should always let you know if they are not there. But mistakes do happen and they would have to be very careful to get it right and make sure they have their story straight."

Darwen Moorland parent Paul Fielding said: "School holidays are long enough so parents deserve to be fined for taking their children out during term time. It is disruptive for the whole class." Pam Kershaw-Calvert of Romney Walk, Blackburn, has taken her 13-year-old son out of school due to bullying concerns.

She said: "The fear of fines also limits freedom and choice. I would probably have faced a fine if my son was absent despite keeping him at home because of genuine concerns over bullying."