Far too many children are bunking off school in Brighton and Hove, thinking it's a bit of a laugh.

But persistent truancy can lead to other problems, including crime. It has to be stopped.

Schools and the city council are taking the problem far more seriously than in the past, as many children now know.

Truancy sweeps and electronic registration are working well. They also alert parents who don't always know their children are skipping classes.

But some parents actually connive with their children to keep them out of school.

Sadly, in these cases, there is no option but to take the parents to court.