YOUNGSTERS in County Durham are being offered a free night out to learn about safer sex.

A nightclub is opening its doors to teenagers in the Durham and Chester-le-Street areas so they can enjoy themselves and find out about health issues such as avoiding pregnancy, sexual diseases and drugs.

The event will be held at Crocodillo's in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, on Thursday, July 31, as part of Sexual Health Week. It is being organised by Durham and Chester-le-Street Health Promotion to give 13 to 18-year-olds information on sexual health, drugs, contraceptive clinics and local support organisations for young people.

There will be non-alcoholic drinks, food and quizzes and a raffle during the event, which runs from 6pm to 10pm.

Sexual health outreach worker Angela O'Neill said: "The event aims to raise awareness of young people around sexual health issues and provide sources of information and support.''

Youth workers and the groups they lead are also being invited to attend the night.

The management of the club is giving the food and use of the venue and its DJ for free.

Quiz and raffle prizes have been donated by Schering Healthcare, Paladone Products, QC Healthcare, the Robins Cinema in Durham and Walkers Snack Foods.