Parents faced jail after taking their son on holiday.

Michael Putt (44) and wife Annette (45) had refused to pay a 60 fine each after taking Harrison Putt, out of school for a break in Wales.

The family, of Melciss Road, Wickersley, took Harrison out of St Bernards High between June 23 and 27 last year, despite being told by the school that the then 13-year-old was not allowed the time off.

But their younger daughter Ruby was granted permission by St Gerards Primary School to go.

The couple were due to appear at Rotherham Magistrates Court two weeks ago and faced a maximum fine of £2,500 or up to three months in jail.

They were not at court and, Mr Adrian Phillips, prosecuting on behalf of the council, told magistrates an agreement had been reached.

Mr  Phillips said: “The council believes we may be able to reach a settlement. Mr Putt has recently paid £30 in respect of himself and in respect of Mrs Putts.

Mr Phillips asked the magistrates to adjourn matters until April 1 and said if the £120 was paid in full by the next court hearing, the council would withdraw the case at that hearing.”

The parents said they could not afford to go away during school holidays, when prices are dearer, and the childrens grandparents had offered to pay for the trip as a gift.

A council spokeswoman said it was up to an individual school to decide whether to authorise an absence.

“The council’s policy around absence during term time is determined by central Government, which takes the view that parents shouldn’t take their children out of school during term time in order to raise educational attainment,” she said.

“Any decisions to fine, or to prosecute for non-payment, are determined by this Government policy.”