BOBBIES in Trafford teamed up with council chiefs last week in a bid to crack truancy amongst the borough's youngsters.

The two-day drive across Trafford tracked down 160 children who were not in school during sweeps around Metrolink stations and shopping centres.

Many of the youngsters were accompanied by adults in hotspot areas like the town centres of Stretford and Altrincham and bobbies were delighted with the results obtained in both the north and south of the borough.

Inspector Ian Foster from Trafford's police community affairs department says: "Partnership has again proved to be successful in tracking down young people.

"Over the two days, bobbies together with education welfare officers, stopped and spoke to youngsters to see if they were legitimately off school - even those with adults.

"If not, further enquiries were made by welfare officers and they were returned to school."

Senior education welfare officer for Trafford council, Sue Topper adds: "Parents have a duty to ensure their children regularly attend school and if they fail to do this, not only are they depriving the youngster of an education but they may be liable for a fine up to £2,500."

The partners involved say that both Operation 'Zulu' in north Trafford and 'Abate' in the south have provided them with valuable information on hotspot areas to concentrate on.

And they have enlisted the help of the managers in those areas to combat the problem as part of future operations.

Manager of Stretford arndale centre Brendan Webb says: "The arndale can be a popular meeting place for youngsters during school hours. That is why we appreciate the work going on to combat truancy and will lend our support in any way we can.

Managing director of Serco Metrolink, Mike Georgiou agrees and adds: "We are keen to support this initiative and ensure that children are not riding up and down the Metrolink network when they should be in school."