Essex County Council has fined parents in Braintree £840 for taking their children out of school during term time.

A total of 25 fines were issued after tough new guidelines were introduced in September.

Parents must make a written request to the school if they want to take their children out of school or risk a £60 fine, which doubles to £120 if not paid within 28 days.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.