YOUNG people living near an area with one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the Durham Dales area are being offered confidential sexual health information and advice as part of a three month pilot scheme.

The project, named SHOW (Sexual Health Outreach Worker) Time went live last month, and is based near Bishop Auckland's Woodhouse Close ward.

It has been developed by Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, King James I Community College's extended schools project and the Four Clocks Project, in Bishop Auckland.

The scheme offers young people information sessions about sexual health, including the C Card condom distribution scheme, and aims to encourage them to talk openly to professionals.

Sessions take place at King James I Community College in a private interview room. They take place every Wednesday between 2pm and 3pm for prior booked appointments, and a drop-in service from 3pm to 5pm.

SHOW Time is being managed by Kaye Bramhald, sexual health outreach worker for Durham Dales PCT.

She said: "This project will help young people at the school to talk about any sexual health needs and worries that they may have, in a confidential and local setting.

"Research and national good practice guidance has made it clear that young people prefer local on-site confidential services that they can access for information, advice and signposting about sexual health issues."