HEALTH workers in Swindon are working with nightclubs, shops and sport centres to help promote a safe sex message.

Posters and postcards have been distributed around the town as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of sexual health.

The campaign posters feature the slogan Sex are you thinking about it enough? On them are details of a confidential advice line.

Swindon Primary Care Trust teenage pregnancy co-ordinator Fran Birch, said: "We are always trying to get the safe sex messages across.

"And this latest campaign does it in a lighthearted but clear way. It is really important that teenagers not only know the facts but also where to go for more information.

PCT director of public health Jane Leaman said that the rates of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted teenage pregnancies in the town had increased significantly in recent years.

"We need to lower rates of infection and reduce the numbers of unplanned teenage pregnancies," Ms Leaman said.

Latest available figures show that the ratio of unplanned teenage conceptions were 58.8 per 1,000 youngsters under 18 the figure is the highest in the South West.

Young people can obtain advice on sex or contraception by calling the Sexwise helpline on 0800 282930.