A GROUP of Redditch high school pupils are having formal training to spread the word about a new project to help combat teenage pregnancy.

A weekly clinic called 'Time 4U' has been set up to target teenagers and offers advice and support on a range of issues from contraception to bullying, Writes Becky Procter.

The move comes as part of a joint group project between health services, Redditch Council and Arrow Vale Community Sports College.

Redditch Council's activity development officer Trudy Neal said: "There are five students who are having training. It will give them the confidence to be able to point peers who have any problems and concerns in the right direction."

The students will be made known to fellow pupils and will promote the clinic which runs from Winyates Barn every Thursday from 3.30-5.30pm.

There will be a male youth worker to relate to young men, a nurse and a career advisor available at the clinic and Ms Neal said she wanted any problems young people could have to be covered.

She said: "The clinic has been set up because young people kept saying they had nowhere to go and they were put off going to doctors who are very often their parents' GP."

Drug advisers and mental health teams have also been drafted in to help at the clinic.

Ms Neal added: "It is a place where young people can come and meet up with friends, have a drink and a chat and have totally confidential help and advice."

A second 'Time 4 U' clinic is due to start running in Batchley soon.