A NEW support group for teenage parents is to open in Radcliffe.

The town has the highest number of unplanned teenage pregnancies in the borough and it is hoped the 4U & Baby 2 group will help them cope.

It has been set up by the Bury Teenage Pregnancy Team, along with local partners and young parents themselves who will also be responsible for running it.

They were instrumental in setting the aims for the group which include ensuring young parents and their children are free from discrimination, providing a social meeting arena for peer support and preventing feelings of social exclusion.

The group, which is for any parent under the age of 21 who has a child of up to two-and-a-half, will also support and encourage young parents in accessing mainstream services and help them gain advice on health and education issues.

Nationally, the average number of pregnancies is 45 per 1,000 teenagers. But figures reveal that in Radcliffe South the number is 99 and in Radcliffe Central it is 72. Only Radcliffe North falls in line with the national average.

The group will run every Thursday, beginning on June 13, at the Victoria Children and Family Centre in Victoria Street, from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Although informal, youth workers, crche workers, health visitors and representatives of Home Start, the voluntary organisation for young families, will be on hand to provide advice and support.

All young parents are welcome. If you are interested in joining contact Andrea Burns on 07976 059 295 for more information.