Police and education officials quizzed 85 children as part of a day-long crackdown on truancy.

Police were out in force to find children skipping classes at schools in the Hastings and Rother area.

In the crackdown, 85 children were stopped and questioned and nine were returned to their schools.

Although truancy sweeps are regular events, this week was the first time new police powers to tackle truancy have been used in the area.

The initiative is a joint venture between the police and the Education Welfare Dep-

artment at East Sussex County Council.

Police officers working in teams with welfare officers targeted areas popular with youngsters, including shopping centres and parks.

Children found out of school without a lawful reason were taken back to lessons and their parents were contacted.

Welfare officers will continue to work with schools to address the problem and will be meeting with parents to discuss the reasons why their children may be playing truant.

Sgt Mark Bright, of Sussex Police ,said: "This operation gives a strong message to local parents, schools and children, that playing truant is unacceptable.

"After lengthy talks it was decided a joint venture by police, schools and the education department would be the most effective way to tackle the problem."

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: "When problems with truancy occur, most of the work is done by the school who meet with parents to try and sort things out.

"If parents don't co-operate and children continue to play truant and we can't bridge the gap, then sometimes we are forced to take legal action as a last resort.

"The role of the education department is to use its expertise to back up the work the schools do in helping any children with difficulties which may cause them to stay away from school."