The number of teenagers falling pregnant in Bradford is falling, according to new figures.

Information published by the Office of National Statistics reveal 110 under 18s fell pregnant between January and March last year, compared with 131 the same time in 2007.

The reduction is mirrored nationally with a fall from 10,844 to 10,706 in the same period.

The Government has pledged to halve pregnancy among under-18s by 2010.

A spokesman for NHS Bradford and Airedale said: “It is very encouraging that teenage pregnancy figures have fallen in comparison with this time last year and we hope that this reflects the strong local partnership work to tackle this issue.

“What we really want to see is a sustained downward trend in teenage pregnancy rates and so we will continue to work closely in our partnerships, including with Upfront, Bradford Council’s teenage pregnancy service, to deliver a range of innovative projects to help young people access contraception, including long-acting reversible methods, and other sexual health services.

“If a young person has made a mistake and doesn’t want to risk either an abortion or unplanned pregnancy, we need to do everything we can to help them. Raising the aspirations and self-esteem of young girls is also a key factor in achieving a long-term reduction in teenage pregnancies.”

Experts urge parents to talk more openly with their children about sex.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: “It is very encouraging to see that the numbers of under-18 conceptions fell during the first quarter of 2008 and we need to maintain this momentum.

“Reducing the rate of teenage conceptions requires everyone to play their part and I would urge everyone involved to continue their good work and to help us to bring teenage pregnancies down still further.”

The figures come a week after the Telegraph & Argus reported 157 abortions were carried out in the district last year on children under 18 – one in every 11 of 1,809 procedures.