ATTENDING school every day and arriving on time is the key message of a pioneering new initiative.

A Good Start is the name of an innovative book distributed to pupils at 15 Runcorn schools.

It is has been specially designed to reduce the number of children who miss lessons and turn up late.

Janet Lawrence, headteacher of St Edward's RC Primary School, said: "The idea is to improve attendance and punctuality.

"We want to make sure parents are not allowing their children to stay off for quite inappropriate reasons, like shopping.

"They don't think it matters if they miss a day here and there.

"We only have them for 191 days a year. It has a tremendous impact. They miss a lot."

Each school has customised the book, with their own logo, school colours and procedures.

"It is very well designed, very reader friendly and has cartoon illustrations," said Mrs Lawrence. "It is full of information."

The attendance booklet was launched at 'Good News' assemblies in schools belonging to the creative excellence in city action zone.

These include St Chad's RC, St Clement's, St Martin's, Our Lady's, Holy Spirit, St Augustine's, Grange Comprehensive, Grange Junior, Grange Infants, Hallwood Park, Runcorn All Saints, Halton Lodge, Castle View and Woodside.

Pictured: St Edward's RC Primary School pupils Owen James and Antonia Howard-Hildge help launch their new attendance booklet

PHOTO by IAN PARK (Photo No: IPA7203)