UNDER-16s will be given condoms to help stop unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexual diseases.

The contraceptives will be handed out by council youth workers to those they think most at risk.

But the move has been criticised by church leaders and some politicians as encouraging youngsters to have sex before they are legally old enough.

The proposals are among new guidelines on sex and relationships which also offer confidential advice and emphasise responsibility.

Councillor Trevor Holt, chairman of lifelong learning, admitted it was a very sensitive issue.

But he told members at Wednesday's (Dec 13) executive committee that Britain has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe.

He said that in some circumstances, it was appropriate for youth workers to provide condoms and pregnancy testing kits.

However, Tory councillor Dorothy Gunther said the council could be accused of condoning under-age sex.

"I think this document usurps the usurps the authority of parents," she said. "I'm happy with giving advice, but I think we are encouraging it by giving out condoms." Dr John Findon, the Rector of Bury, felt that "exceptional circumstances" should be more clearly defined.

"I get the impression that if a person under 16 asks a youth worker for help, having been told to go to their parents and saying they don't want to, then they get the condoms."

Council leader Derek Boden said condoms would not be handed out automatically.

"It's a right and prerogative of parents to take responsibility for children and try to guide them, but they are not always in a position to do that. In this case, the public authority has a duty to try to do something."

And Coun Holt added: "Doing nothing is not an option. It's not good enough anymore to say we don't want it to happen."

Recognising that the proposals might be controversial, councillors have agreed to debate the policy at full council before it is adopted.