A school has teamed up with local businesses to come up with an unusual measure for tackling truancy.

Firms surrounding the Folkestone Academy have agreed not to serve children who come into their shop during school hours.

In the last week a number of children were turned away from both the Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s at Park Farm.

Staff at the Academy are hailing it as a tribute to the strong community relations in the area.

Acting principal at the Academy Louise McGowan said: “I think working together is so important and I am really pleased local businesses have been behind us 100 percent on this.

“Like all schools we had a few students who were finding our long day at the Academy a challenge.

“We discussed the issue with our new PCSO and asked her to talk to local businesses and ask them to support us in trying to keep the children in school by refusing to serve them.

“It is not rocket science but a simple idea which seems to be working.

“It has had a positive impact on us trying to combat truancy.

“These firms are profit making organisations but this is an example of a strong community spirit being put above profit and that can only be good.”