PUPILS bunking off from school in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale can bank on being caught, police warn.

Pennine division officers have recently carried out two major truancy sweeps "netting" 36 out of school pupils in Rossendale and 25 in Colne.

One of the truants was found working in a shop.

Police have vowed to continue with their truancy patrols in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Local teachers and education welfare officers are giving the campaign their full support.

Sgt Jim Masterman, of Pennine's youth and minorities team, said: "We will continue to carry out special truancy sweeps as well as look out for youngsters skipping school during our regular patrols.

"We don't want pupils missing out on their education and we certainly don't want them falling into crime."

His comments were welcomed by education welfare officers and teachers.

Janet Walsh, head teacher at Colne's Primet High School, said: "I am sure I speak on behalf of all the local head teachers in wholeheartedly supporting the recent truancy initiative."

She added: "We are constantly reinforcing the importance of good attendance to the pupils.

"If they are not in school, they are not learning and we don't want them hanging around the streets."