TEENAGE unemployment in Bury has fallen for the first time in a decade since the introduction of youth agency Connexions two years ago.

Connexions Bury has revealed that the number of 16 to 18-year-olds not in employment, education or training, has fallen to 7 per cent, beating the Government's target of 7.2 per cent.

The agency, based in Broad Street, provides advice, information and guidance services for 13 to 19-years-olds and now has more than 15,000 contacts with young people in the borough every year through school, colleges and other organisations.

To tackle employment and training issues, the agency, which was set up with the help of teenagers, has personal advisors who establish links with employers to provide employment and work experience as well as identify training opportunities for young people needing basic skills development.

It also tracks the progress of youngsters leaving school through a unique database.

Carolyn Caldwell, executive director of the National Association of Connexions Partnership, said: "These results demonstrate that Connexions has done what the Government intended. Careers advice and guidance is not enough for many young people, and the additional personalised support has offered them the opportunity to grow in confidence and become more aware of potential opportunities."