A SURVEY has found that large numbers of Teesside young people live unhealthy lifestyles and are misinformed on sexual health matters.

The Linx Voluntary Youth Project, in Middlesbrough, was given cash by the Teesside Health Action Zone to assess 14 to 24-year-olds' perception of their health needs.

It looked at their attitudes and behaviour, concerning a range of health-related issues, including smoking, diet, exercise, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and mental health.

The project also aimed to find out what young people thought of health professionals working in the area.

Among its findings were that a large number of young people were misinformed, regarding the protection the contraceptive pill offers against sexually- transmitted diseases.

Many also had mistaken views on the likelihood of contracting HIV or Aids.

High percentages admitted to unhealthy lifestyles, with almost nine out of ten reporting that they drink alcohol most weekends. Just over half smoked cigarettes most weeks.

The survey found that young people wanted better sex education, and information about leisure and diet, and would prefer to get it from youth workers rather than teachers. The report recommends employing such workers.

Jim Willson, Teesside Health Action Zone manager, said the statistics were worrying, and Teesside was ten years behind the rest of the UK in health terms.