TRUANCY patrols are poised to hit the streets for a second time to get schoolchildren back behind their desks.

Blackburn and Darwen town centres will be targeted over the coming weeks as part of a nationally co-ordinated truancy sweep.

And the Missing School? Missing Out message will be driven home to truants with a series of bus advertisements.

The last round of national sweeps, which took place in December, found 7,000 children out of school without valid reasons. Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, executive member for education and lifelong learning, said: "Children who miss school for no good reason are missing out -- it's as simple as that.

"If they don't attend school regularly, children will fall behind and achieve less than they are capable of, and a poor track record may put off future employers.

"Hanging around the streets all day is also potentially dangerous.

"They could become victims of crime or end up being drawn into crime or anti-social behaviour, which creates a whole new set of problems."

Lawrence Warburton, principal education welfare officer, said help, information, advice and support is available to parents and carers who are worried about their children's school attendance.

He added: "Parents of five to 16-year-olds have a legal responsibility to make sure their children attend school regularly. They are breaking the law if their child plays truant -- even if they don't know about it.

"The truancy sweeps are one way of reminding both parents and young people of this, and challenging the culture that says it's okay to miss school.

"Most parents want their children to get on well in life and the best way to do that is keep them in school so they get a good education."

A booklet entitled Truancy Patrol booklet has been published by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Copies are available at the Town Hall or by contacting the Education Welfare Team on 01254 585673.