Parents across Dorset are being reminded that the deadline for secondary school applications is looming.

There are still more than 600 parents who have not applied for their child's secondary or upper school place, with the deadline for applications Wednesday, October 31.

Dorset County Council to date has received more than 2,376 applications, but many children have yet to submit an application.

Councillor Andrew Parry, cabinet member for Education, Learning and Skills, has encouraged parents to apply.

He said: "It is of paramount importance that any parent wanting their child to be offered a place at a preferred secondary or upper school applies by the Wednesday, October 31 deadline.

"It is regrettable that any applications after this date won't be considered until the late round in February, so please don't take the risk of leaving it too late."

The deadline for middle, junior and reception school places are Tuesday, January 15.

For more information or for an application form, you can visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/schooladmissions or you can call 01305 221060.