Teenage pregnancies have fallen by more than a fifth in Solihull since 1998, giving it the lowest rate in the region.

Between 1998 and 2003 the number of teenage girls who became pregnant was reduced by 21.9 per cent. In 2003, the number of pregnancies was

130. Solihull Primary Care Trust and Solihull Borough Council have been working hard to reduce conception rates and have developed a number of initiatives.

The long established Just 4 yoU clinics which give young people access to contraception, relationship and sexual health advice continue to be a success.

But new initiatives like the sexual health and relationship guidelines for schools, the Respect Yourself booklet and a referral checklist for people dealing with pregnant young women, aim to further reduce the level of teen pregnancies.

Dr Dennis Wilkes, Solihull's director of public health, said: "The more information, advice and support we can offer to young people about making choices about their sexual health the better.

"In Solihull, we have been working really hard to develop information and services for young people and professionals alike, to try and educate and empower as many young people as possible to take responsibility for their relationships, sexual health and the consequences of having unprotected sex."

Just 4 yoU is a confidential service available to under 20s who need advice but do not want to go to their parents or GP. It is available at Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst and Solihull.