Four parents of persistent truants from the Falmouth and Penryn areas have been fined or given parenting orders after being convicted of failing to ensure their children went to school regularly.

Three parents, all of whom pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to ensure that their children attend school on a regular basis, were each fined £50 by Camborne magistrates.

The fourth parent, who also pleaded guilty, agreed to a 12 month parenting order with conditions.

They were also ordered to pay costs. The parents and children cannot be named for legal reasons.

The parent of a 13-year-old who missed 44 sessions from a possible 170 without an authorised explanation between October 10, 2005, and March 10, 2006, was fined £50 and ordered to pay £75 towards costs.

The parent of a 13-year-old who missed 144 sessions between October 3, 2005, and March 17, 2006, was fined £50 with costs of £75.

The parent of a 15-year-oldwho missed 103 sessions between October 3, 2005, and March 17, 2006, was fined £150 with £10 towards costs.

The parent of a 12-year-oldwho missed 60 sessions between October 10, 2005, and March 10, 2006, agreed to a 12 months parenting order, and was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

The cases were brought by Cornwall LEA under the 1996 Education Act.

"Non-attendance at school for any reason is an important issue that must be treated seriously," said John Heath, principal education welfare officer.

"Ultimately parents are responsible for ensuring their child's regular attendance at school to ensure an education suitable to their age, aptitude and ability. Children need to attend school in order to avail themselves of the educational opportunities available.

"Education welfare officers are working very hard to improve school attendance throughout Cornwall and legal action has been taken as a last resort."

Latest figures show that Cornwall's attendance levels continue to improve and that truancy levels are well below the national average.