Truancy patrols visited over 20 homes in the Carterton and Burford area, but did not find a child who should have been at school.

The visits were made by police officers, accompanied by an educational social worker.

Twelve visits were made in the Carterton area. Addresses were supplied by schools.

Carterton Pc Dave Rich said: "Most of them were in -- all had some sort of explanation, mostly sickness."

In Burford Pc Richard Barnes visited 10 homes. He said: "Most were in, and we were satisfied they were legitimately off school.

"It was encouraging that all the parents understood why we were making these visits and agreed that consistent school attendance was essential."

The truancy patrols check whether absenteeism is genuine and give police officers the power to take children back to school.

Pc Barnes added: "Overall, this is a distinct improvement on previous truancy sweeps.

"The message is getting home." In the several cases where children were found not to be at home, it is now being left to the schools to pursue them.