Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

Samantha McGloughlin, from Moston Brook High School, and Holly Walton, age six, from Charlestown Primary School, have had their pictures chosen to front a major poster campaign across the city.

The campaign 'It's cool to go to school' has been set up by teachers from the local Schools Forum, a partnership formed to share ideas and good practice, to encourage children not to miss school and to get in on time.

Posters are being placed in locations where pupils who are avoiding school are likely to be spending their time such as shopping centres and bus stations.

The campaign has involved pupils and parents in discussions about what they miss out on if they do not attend school and under what circumstances it is acceptable to be absent from lessons.

Teachers are eager to change attitudes among some children and parents who do not value education and keep their children off for shopping trips, holidays and to help out at home.

Cllr Joanne Green

Greg Regan, manager of McDonalds, was delighted to be involved in the scheme.

He said: "Here at the restaurant we are very committed to putting something back into the local community.

"By teaming up with North Manchester Regeneration and local schools we are helping to raise awareness of the importance of education. I have gained great satisfaction in witnessing this project succeed."