A new sex education campaigns have been drawn up in the South West after shocking figures on teenage pregnancies in the region.

Latest figures have revealed that Torbay and Plymouth have a higher than average teenage pregnancy rate.

There were 10.9 conceptions in Torbay per 1,000 girls under the age of 16 from 1996 to 1998 and 9.8 conceptions in Plymouth, compared with a national average of 8.3.

New multi-agency partnerships now aims to slash teenage pregnancies by half among under-18s by 2010.

Plans include better sex education in schools and for the most disaffected teenagers such as those in care or leaving care.

A 'Tell It As It Is' survey, which asked the opinion of 285 young people, concluded that 'sex education isn't happening early enough'.

Health authority sexual health co-ordinator Wendy Hannon said: "We need to communicate more effectively with young girls and boys about relationships, contraception and sex.

"The latest figures show very clearly that the rates of teenage pregnancy in Plymouth and Torbay are among the worst in the South West region."