TEENAGE pregnancy rates are still higher in Darlington than the national average, despite a ten-year programme to address the problem.

Although the pregnancy rate has been reduced by 20 per cent over the past decade, the borough has fallen short of its target to reduce teenage conceptions by 55 per cent, according to the latest figures.

The news comes ahead of a meeting where councillors will assess the progress of the strategy to reduce girls conceiving at a young age, which can lead to health problems and reduce their chances of getting an education.

The figures for last year, which are taken over a two year period, show the conception rate for Darlington in the 2008 to 2010 period was 53 per thousand, compared with a rate of 51.1 between 2006 to 2008.

However, the pregnancy rate in 2008 was 20 per cent down on 2000.

The new data is as yet unratified, which means it is only an indication of what the 2008 to 2010 figure will be.

The figure for the actual number of pregnancies 2008 to 2010 per thousand girls has yet to be published.

The report to the joint meeting of Darlington Borough Council's health and well being and children and young people's scrutiny committees, outlines what has been done so far to reduce teenage conceptions.

The report said the data showed progress had been made and the strategy was working, adding: "While caution should be exercised regarding short-term teenage conception unratified data, the view is that the combined and increasingly sustained efforts of Darlington Children Trust Teenage Pregnancy Partnership and Children and Young People's Integration Agenda are taking effect."

"The above data should give us confidence that the complex goal of reducing teenage pregnancy is achievable, along with the socio-economic benefits and reduction in inequalities this will bring to the population of Darlington."

So far, measures to reduce under-age conception include increasing access to contraception and sexual health services, and sex and relationship education from primary school age. Services to support teenage parents have also been increased.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "Having children at a young age (under 18) can adversely affect young women's health and well being.

"It can also limit their education and health prospects.

"Health agencies, schools, youth services and others are working closely together to see how we can further reduce the number of teenage pregnancies in the borough."