Schools in Hastings and Rye have one of the worst records in the country for pupils playing truant, according to Government figures.

Students missed 1.5 per cent of half days through unauthorised absences during the 1998-99 academic year.

That is compared to the national average of 0.7 per cent.

Eastbourne equalled the national average, while Wealden's figure was just 0.4 per cent.

The figures have made alarming reading for education bosses, and police who are often called to deal with problems connected with truancy.

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council's education department said: "We are always monitoring truancy figures. There are a number of things we are doing as an authority to tackle the problem. We are in the process of setting up new systems to be put into action across East Sussex."

Police and education officers had been working together over the few weeks before the latest figures were released in a bid to combat the problem.

Last term they launched a crackdown in Hastings on youngsters wandering the streets during school hours.

On the first day, 85 children were questioned. Nine were returned to schools. There are plans to stage the operation again next term.

Sgt Mark Bright, of Senlac Police, said: "This operation gives a strong message to parents, schools and children, that playing truant is unacceptable."