YOUNG people across Sedgefield can ask questions and get advice on health issues at the touch of a mobile telephone keypad.

A mobile phone text service has been launched by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT) to put youngsters, mainly 11 to 18-years-old, in touch with school nurses.

They can send questions in a text message anonymously to one of two health lines- 07980 729700 or 07980 729729 and will get a confidential response, usually within 24 hours.

Gill Reeves, community matron for school nursing at Sedgefield PCT, said: "There is a great deal of work going on across the PCT area to improve health services for young people, for example, we now have chlamydia screening services and drop-ins for young people across the area.

"This new service means that young people will often be able to get the help they need without even having to set foot inside a service.

"I would encourage young people to pick up their mobiles and text their question rather than pretend it will go away."

The idea came from a discussion between PCT staff and students at Sedgefield Community College at which young people called for more information on health issues, including sexual health and relationships.