A REDDITCH group to help teen mums has been given a cash boost of more than £15,000 to keep running.

Positively Young Mums has been supported by Community Works for more than three years and the extra funding has come from the Government's teenage pregnancy department.

The group, which is managed by Redditch Council, supports teenage mums from 15 to 19 years old, providing a crche facility and youth workers at Redditch Youth House in Small-wood.

The council's health liaison officer, Jean Arrow-smith, said: "The group aims to bring together yo-ung mums and is split into 15-17 year olds and 17-19 year olds.

"It is all about confidence-building and teaching the young mums different skills to get a job."

Mrs Arrowsmith said a further bid would be submitted next year to keep the group going.

Redditch demonstrates the national trend with an increase year-on- year in teenage pregnancies.

In Worcestershire Health Authority's annual report, figures revealed there had been 252 conceptions in the town - the second highest rate in the county.

Redditch Primary Care Group has also set up a group to try to combat the number of teen pregnancies.

The Sexual Health Task Group has already completed a needs assessment in the town and an audit of emergency contraception.

And the group is currently producing a directory of services.

PCG chief officer Sue Jenkins said: "We have just been given about £12,000 from the Government.

"We will be able to spend this money as and when we need it on leaflets, information booklets and setting up new projects."