Pupils from Horton Grange First School have been rewarded under a new scheme arranged to boost attendance in schools.

Working with the Blyth Education Support Team, parents and pupils have been encouraged to maintain high attendance.

Jill Brown, education welfare officer with the support team, said: "We've been working closely with schools trying to improve attendance and change attitudes about attending."

Children who had managed to maintain 100 per cent attendance were given certificates, medals and prizes.

There were special honours for two Horton Grange pupils, Jamie Moore and Courtney Mordue, who haven't missed a day of school in five years.

"A big part of this has been rewarding those who have been attending well," Ms Brown said.

"Two of the children haven't had a single day off school for whatever reason for five years.

"There's been a shift in attitudes of parents. More are starting to see the benefit of their kids attending - they're learning more and achieving more."