Halton had its lowest every teenage conception rate, with a reduction of 35 per cent, in a year. And almost halved in the last 20 years.

The full year 2016 ONS data on Teenage Conceptions showed Halton had 23 less conceptions compared to 2015.

Halton had 58 conceptions in 2016 , compared to 81 in 2015. A drop of 35 percent.

Fifty-eight is Halton lowest ever and is 14 conceptions lower than the previous best of 72 conceptions in 2014.

Under 18 conceptions rates for Halton published by the ONS on March 27 show that in Halton 26.2 per 1000 women under-18 became pregnant, a reduction of 10.4 per cent from 2015 and 44.4 per cent since 1998, the baseline year of Halton Borough Council’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy.

The rate of under-16s conceptions has also dropped from 2015. Both rates are at the lowest level since records began.

Halton Borough Council and partners are working hard to ensure easy access for young women and young men to effective contraception through free, confidential, youth friendly services.

Ann McIntyre Halton Borough Council’s Operational Director Education, Inclusion and Provision said: “We are also offering sex and relationship education and contraception provision for all, with more intensive support for young people at risk, building resilience and aspiration and combining means and motivation – with young people seeing a stake in education, employment and economic opportunities

“The Children’s trust, a partnership of public and voluntary sector organisations is also working with schools and community services to offer the provision of high quality comprehensive sex and relationships education in school, at home and in the community.

“Halton is doing well in reducing teenage pregnancy and has made great progress in recent years, however we are not complacent and know we have more to do.”