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Teenage pregnancy rates have fallen again in Leicester and Leicestershire, according to new figures.
The figures from the Office for National Statistics show that a total of 177 girls in the city aged 15-17 became pregnant in 2013.
This equated to a rate of 29.7 per 1,000 girls in the age group compared to 32.9 in 2012.
It is just above the England rate of 24.3 per 1,000.
Over the past 15 years there has been a significant fall in the number of teenage pregnancies.
In 1998, when information first began to be collected 365 girls became pregnant.
Deputy city mayor Councillor Rory Palmer, who chairs Leicester’s health and wellbeing board, said: “This significant reduction is due to organisations working together more effectively – and working closely with young people.
“We will no look to continue this successful work, building on the established and effective links we have set up between health services, youth services and communities.”
Figures show that the number of teenage pregnancies have fallen for the seventh year in a row in Leicestershire.
It means a drop of 45 per cent since 1998.
The figures show that the county rate decreased in 2013 and is now 20.9 pregnancies per 1,000.
This is lower than both the England rate of 24.3 and the East Midlands rate of 24.6 per 1,000.
Councillor Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for health, said: “We are delighted to once again see a decline in teenage pregnancy rates as this shows the approach we are taking works.
“We will continue to work with partners to refine activity with the aim of reducing rates further in the future.”
The Leicestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership includes the county council and the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust along with other support organisations, schools and colleges.
In the past year the service has launched a new relationship and sex education programme to support young people.
Staff have also responded to 794 questions and concerns sent through its POP text sexual health service in the past year.
