CONDOMS are to be made freely available to youngsters visiting youth clubs in a town, in an attempt to cut teenage pregnancy rates.

A scheme is being piloted in Middlesbrough allowing people under the age of 25 to pick up free condoms and sexual advice at five of the town's youth centres.

In return, youngsters taking part in the scheme will be issued with a "C Card" and wallet which they will have to present to a youth worker to replenish supplies - or want more sexual health advice.

Gillian McGready, teenage pregnancy co-ordinator, said: "Teenage pregnancy rates in Middlesbrough have fallen by 13 per cent since 1998, which reflects the success of the Middlesbrough teenage pregnancy strategy and the work of all the associated partners and networks.

"However, in comparison to the national rate, Middlesbrough still has high rates and it will be a major challenge to reduce the rates by a further 42 per cent by 2010.''

The scheme is being tested until next March, but Middlesbrough Council hopes it will become a permanent feature.

Steve Rutter, C Card scheme co-ordinator, said: "Rather than just signpost young people to another agency for advice on sexual health and condoms, we see the C Card scheme as integral to the work that we do with, and for, young people in the town.''

Young people can register for the C Card scheme at the Lynx project, Hemlington, Grove Hill Youth and Community Centre, the Joe Walton Youth and Community Centre, Newport Settlement Youth and Community Centre, and the Directions Project based at the Beechwood Youth and Community Centre.