Education bosses have welcomed a fall in the number of children being permanently excluded from schools.

Last year's figure of 41 has fallen to 29 this year, well below Brighton and Hove City Council's target of 35.

Council officials put the decrease down to factors including extra money going directly to schools and targeted support for pupils with behavioural difficulties.

A full-time exclusions co-ordinator has also been appointed to give guidance and assistance to schools and parents.

Education councillor Frieda Warman-Brown said: "The excellent work being undertaken in schools is a key reason why the number of permanently-excluded pupils is falling.

"Providing the right support is essential, both for pupils and staff, and is helping to keep pupils on track with their education."

A new system is now in place to track the number of school days a pupil remains out of school following permanent exclusion, together with the reasons for this.

Staff from the youth service and other organisations are working with young people to help tackle problems that lead to exclusion.