A RADNORSHIRE family fear they could be the first in Powys slapped with a truancy fine - despite their son being a top performing pupil.

The £60 fixed penalty notices can be issued by the county council to the parents of children whose school attendance falls below 90 per cent.

Mike and Shirley Atkins, of St Harmon, near Rhayader, say they have been in a long running dispute over how Llanidloes High School has recorded some of their 15-year-old son's absences.

The year 10 pupil is predicted top A and A* star grades but his parents believe a lack of stimulation in school has contributed to him often feeling unwell, and his attendance slipping to just 82 per cent since September.

Mum Shirley said her son 'gets on brilliantly at school and has brilliant teachers' but said fining her wouldn't address issues around attendance.

The school said it doesn't discuss individual pupils but insisted regular attendance is important. Powys County Council said fines will not be issued retrospectively and it will consider each case on an individual basis.

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