Pupils skipping lessons at East Brighton College of Media Arts will be picked up by the police in a new initiative to tackle truancy.

A team of community beat officers and education welfare officers will be regularly swooping on popular hang-outs in Whitehawk and Brighton town centre to find youngsters.

Those caught will be taken back to school under new powers given to the police in the Crime and Disorder Act.

The initiative was officially launched during a visit to the college yesterday by Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner and Brighton and Hove education director David Hawker.

Head teacher Dr Jill Clough said: "Parents seem to think it is okay to allow children a day off school on their birthday or to look after them when they are ill.

"We have to remind parents they have a responsibility to make sure their children come to school and that every day at school is important."

An electronic registration system has been introduced at the college which allows an instant record to be made of pupils attendance at every lesson.