NUMBERS of teenage pregnancies in Swindon have fallen, according to new figures.

The figures have revealed that across the south west as a whole the rate of pregnancies among 15 to 17 year olds fell 16.6 per cent between 1998 and 2006.

A more detailed breakdown of the numbers showed that in Swindon the total dropped 14.5 per cent in the period.

Swindon PCT's joint director of public health Jane Leaman said: "The drop in teenage pregnancy figures between 1998 and 2006 was an excellent achievement, and a tribute of the hard work carried out by the Teenage Pregnancy Partnership.

"The key to the reduction was the change in our local strategy which has led to a concerted by all relevant organisations to work together.

"For example we have increased the outreach nurse time available to support young people.

"We are confident that our commitment to developing our services even further over the coming months will help us to reach the Government's 50 per cent reduction target by 2010.

"Although these figures show an impressive amount of progress, we are aware that there is still much to do."