SCHOOLCHILDREN in a teenage pregnancy blackspot are to be questioned on the birds and the bees - to see if sex education is failing them.

Invitations have been sent to youth clubs and comprehensive schools in the Beechwood area of Middlesbrough, which has higher rates of teenage conception than elsewhere in the town, and 100 are expected to attend tonight's quiz.

Middlesbrough is eighth in England for under-age pregnancy rates, but there are divisions within the town itself, with teenage conception levels four times higher in some areas than in others.

Organisers Middlesbrough Healthy School Scheme (MHSS) are not only concerned that warnings may not be getting through to youngsters, but they are also worried about the possible health risks to both the mother and child.

Avrille McCann, MHSS co-ordinator, said: "Babies born to teenage mothers are more likely to suffer from birth defects, be underweight, be more at risk of accidents during infancy and are more likely to die just before or shortly after birth.

"The parents too will have their education disrupted, be more likely to be unemployed and have a poor standard of living.''

She said: "Funding from the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Group has enabled us to present this evening where we can listen to young people and get their perspective on these issues.

"This should make us better informed and more able to improve sex education and advice on relationships to young people."