NEARLY 40 pupils were stopped when education bosses took to the streets to find youngsters playing truant.

Figures revealed by Blackburn with Darwen Council's education department on the latest sweep, held on March 17, were presented to councillors last week.

Of the 39 pupils stopped, 24 could prove they had a valid reason for being out of school, such as a dentist's appointment.

However, the other 15, five of whom were of secondary school age and 10 of primary school age, did not have a valid reason.

Ten of those pupils were in the company of their parents or guardians.

Coun Mahfooz Hussein, in charge of education at Blackburn with Darwen, said: "The operation was undertaken with members of the education welfare team, as well as a number of police officers and an advisor from Connexions.

"The operation was targeted around Blackburn town centre."

Blackburn was the pilot town for the truancy sweeps back in 2000, when they were launched by the town's MP Jack Straw, then Home Secretary.

The first sweep discovered in excess of 200 youngsters skipping school.