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Lancashire parents are fined more for taking their children on holidays during school time than anywhere else in the country, latest figures show.

The data, obtained by Santander Bank under a Freedom of Information request, shows Lancashire issued 4,279 fines to parents for unauthorised absence during 2014/2015 term time.

The fines equate to more than £250,000 in Lancashire and as much as £5.6m nationwide.

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, LCC’s cabinet member for children, young people and schools, told the LEP: “We are always likely to appear high up in lists like this.

“Lancashire has more schools than any other local authority.

“We encourage schools to work closely with parents to reduce unauthorised absences.

“Our aim throughout is not to punish parents, but to ensure that children and young people attend school and receive a good education.”

Local councils can issue fines of £60, which rises to £120 if the parent does not pay within 21 days.

In May this year, a high court ruling overturned a £120 fine imposed for an unauthorised family holiday during term-time.

The court ruled in favour of Jon Platt after he took his daughter out of school during term-time for a holiday to Florida. Isle of Wight council is expected to take the case to supreme court.

The issue is caused in the first instance by the cost of holidays during the weeks when children aren’t at school.