A campaign to cut the number of gymslip mums in Blackpool is finally paying off, say delighted health workers.

According to the Blackpool Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, latest figures show an 11 per cent fall since 2003 in the number of pregnant under-18-year-olds in the resort, proof, say campaigners, that their strategy is working.

Lesley Hodder, teenage pregnancy co-ordinator with Blackpool Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "The figures are reflective of all the hard work that has been taking place in the town.

"Much positive action has taken place in Blackpool and our teenage pregnancy action plan has been commended for the last two years.

"Blackpool has faced a huge challenge to bring about a directional change, but has succeeded in doing that. We still have a high number of teenage parents, but the positive news is that we are heading in the right direction and those figures are falling.

"Blackpool continues to be committed to addressing this important issue. The inclusion of teenage pregnancy in the town's forthcoming Children's Plan is an indicator of this."

The news, which comes a year after government statistics showed Blackpool had the highest teen pregnancy rate outside London, was a welcome boost to the Pregnancy Partnership, which comprises Blackpool PCT, Blackpool Council, Connexions, and the voluntary sector.

Blackpool's teenage pregnancy strategy aims to reduce the under 18 conception rate, and help 16-19-year-old mums back into education, training and employment, to prevent them and their children becoming socially excluded and disadvantaged.

Co-ordinator Lesley added: "Educating young people on issues around relationships and sexual health also remains a priority. The partnership has increased specialist services for young people over the last two years and will continue to do this in the future.

"Ensuring young people have access to services and advice from professionals is imperative, not only regarding health issues such as sexually transmitted infections and contraception, but also as to whether young people are ready to be having sex and what a healthy relationship is."

But the figures also prompted a warning from Blackpool's director of public health, Dr Andy Howe, who said: "There can be no room for complacency. These figures provide us with a clear indication that our plan has started to bite but we now need to accelerate progress into the next stage.

"Reducing teenage pregnancy requires significant changes in service provision, attitudes and behaviour, sometimes deep rooted and spanning several generations, which take time and investment to achieve."

Dr Howe said parent power was also vital. "We know that open discussion between parents and children helps delay early sex by teenagers and improves their contraceptive use," he added.