A parent has been fined for the second time by magistrates because of a truanting daughter.

Hastings Magistrates fined the parent, who cannot be named, the maximum of £1,000 and ordered £75 costs for failure to ensure regular attendance of the daughter at Helenswood School, Hastings.

It is the second time in less than six months the parent has been fined under new laws which hold parents responsible for their truanting children.

Jill Muggleton, senior eduction welfare officer for East Sussex County Council, said: "We work with parents and young people to resolve whatever difficulties are preventing regular attendance.

"The work of the education welfare officer with a young person will usually results in a return to school and regular attendance can be achieved.

"However, if parents continually fail to respond to contact from the school and from our service and if their child continues to miss a significant amount of schooling, we will pursue legal proceedings."