TEENAGE pregnancies in Bradford have halved in 16 years, according to latest official figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics reveal the district is experiencing its lowest conception rates among under-18s since its records began.

Nationally, some experts suggest young people in an increasingly digital age could be spending less time getting physical because they are online instead.

But in Bradford, the drop is being credited to girls getting the right support and advice, according to Ralph Berry, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for health and social care.

The rate of 15 to 18-year-olds getting pregnant fell by just over 52 per cent between 1998 and 2014.

Free emergency contraception for under 25s from pharmacists, and the development of a specialist family nurse and midwife service have also reduced the number of teenage pregnancies.

For every 1,000 girls aged 15 to 18 in Bradford in 2014, there were 27.2 conceptions compared to 27.9 in 2013 and 41.2 in 2009.

Councillor Berry said there is still more work to be done in the district to improve figures even more through education and by raising girls' own aspirations for their futures.

He said: "A wide range of organisations across the district are continuing to work together and with teenagers to achieve these results. Teachers, health practitioners, youth workers, carers and parents have all taken the responsibility to ensure our teenagers get the right support and advice.

"Teenage pregnancies can have a profound impact on the life chances of teenagers and any children they may have. One way we can reduce teenage pregnancy rates further is to improve the level of education attainment in the district and raise the aspirations of the next generation."

Nicola Corrigan, the sexual health lead for Bradford Council, said: "Relationships and sex education for teenagers is a long term strategy. Work done to educate 13 and 14 year olds now won’t impact on them until they become sexually active may be three, four or more years later.

"It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure young people also have the confidence to have open and upfront discussions so they make the right choices and to help them feel comfortable to ask for help and information.

"A partnership approach, involving Bradford’s children’s services, public health, the NHS and voluntary and community organisations, has helped reduced the number of conceptions.

"Other schemes also under way as part of Bradford's drive to reduce teenage pregnancies includes a Ur Choice sex education programme in schools and a council-run Speakeasy project that teaches parents and carers how to talk to their children about relationships and sex."