The eight families are thought to be the first to be charged under tough new anti-truancy measures brought in by the Government.

It used to take ages to bring parents to court for letting their children bunk off.

Jail

Now a new fast track system means they can be in front of a judge in a few months.

The families were in court in Thurrock in Essex and could face a £2,500 fine or even three months in jail.

The 13 kids involved are aged between five and 16.

Truancy is a huge problem in Britain - about 50,000 of you bunk off a day.