Teenage pregnancies in the district have fallen slightly, according to new figures.

Data complied by the Office of National Statistics show the number of 15 to 17-year-olds getting pregnant in the district fell from 491 in 2007, a rate of 47.3 per 1,000 girls, to 475 conceptions in 2008, a rate of 45.5.

The fall in the district is mirrored nationally, and overall figures show the rate of teenage pregnancies have fallen to their lowest in over 20 years.

Claire Whiteley, commissioning manager for young people’s sexual health and teenage pregnancy in the district, said the target remained a long-term aspiration.

“I think we are doing well and we are on target to further reduce teenage pregnancies,” she said.

“We must recognise that a lot of hard work has gone on.”

She said teenage pregnancy was associated with socially excluded young people, limited educational opportunities and poor career prospects and ongoing work to improve the aspirations of young people would result in a further reduction in teenage pregnancies.

One example of many sexual health promotion projects running across the district is Speakeasy, a community-based educational programme which gives parents the skills and confidence they need to talk to their children about issues relating to puberty, growing up, relationships and sex.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We have been recognised nationally for providing sexual health services that are easily accessible and we are working in partnership on a pilot programme led by young people to develop a comprehensive approach to sex education in a number of secondary schools.

“We are also working with colleges and children’s centres to provide flexible learning opportunities for teenage parents which support them in parenting, and accessing education, training and employment.”

An NHS Bradford and Airedale spokesman said: “We want to see a sustained downward trend in teenage pregnancy rates and will continue to work closely with Upfront, the Council’s teenage pregnancy strategy, to deliver innovative projects, to achieve this. Anyone wanting help and advice can call (01274) 200024.”