LANGUAGE schools in Dorset are leading the way in measures to combat illegal immigration, it has been revealed.

Schools across Bournemouth and Poole have joined forces to ensure establishments are used for their published purpose - teaching English.

More schools than ever in the area will, from this term, be inspected as a result of rising concern about illegal immigrants using language courses as a smoke-screen.

The news follows the screening of a BBC documentary, Inside Out, which highlighted concerns about language schools in Brighton.

It revealed some visitors are paying for courses but are not turning up to any lessons.

Instead, many are working in the UK - and the issue highlighted concerns about national security.

Mike Francis, head of the Westbourne Academy in Bournemouth, said the town was the first in Europe to form a language schools liaison panel, effectively bringing all schools under the organisation's umbrella, not just the nationally accredited ones.

"For the first time, these schools have become the subject of an inspection system" he said. "It is voluntary but we are confident they will all take part."

Dorset also has an International Education Forum which includes representatives of accredited language schools as well as colleges, Bournemouth University and local authorities.

"We have been very lucky in Bournemouth because we have always had the support of local government," added Mr Francis.

"It is the first in Europe where state and the private sector have got together on the same forum and I am sure it will be copied in other areas."

First published: September 15