A parent has received a six-month community rehabilitation order for failing to ensure their child attended secondary school regularly.

The parent, who cannot be identified to protect the child's identity, was also ordered to pay £75 costs at Eastbourne Magistrates Court.

The action was brought by East Sussex County Council against the parent, from the Eastbourne area.

Rupert Simmons, lead county council Cabinet member for education, said after the hearing: "Together with parents, we have a responsibility to engage young people in their education and ensure they have the opportunity to realise their potential.

"However, if children remain out of school and parents continually fail to co-operate to resolve the problems, the local authority has statutory duties and the legal options available will be pursued."

Parents having difficulties with children can receive guidance and support from the council's education welfare service.

But action can be taken if parents continually fail to work co-operatively with the school or council.