VALE youngsters are finally heeding the safe sex message leading to a dip in teenage pregnancies rates in the area.

Figures just released by the National Assembly show that in March 1999, 28 women under 18 years old became pregnant in the Vale. In 2,000, that number had dropped to just 16.

These statistics are in contrast to last year when a Welsh Government shock report claimed a teenage girl fell pregnant every other week in the area.

But now experts see a steady decline in the number of under-18's who conceive with rates falling faster in Wales than in England.

Figures for 2,000 show that the conception rate in Wales is seven percent lower than in 1999. This is against a 2.5 percent fall in England for the same period.

The reduction in Wales since 1998 is almost 14 percent. This works out at 400 fewer conceptions in 2,000 in girls under 18. Rates overall are still higher in the Principality than in England, but the gap is narrowing.

Health and Social Services Minister Jane Hutt said: "These statistics are encouraging in light of the "Strategic framework for promoting sexual health in Wales" which was launched in January 2,000. The Strategy has raised the profile of teenage pregnancy and much good work is being done at both national and local levels to tackle this issue."

Work to implement the Strategy began in 2,000, with initiatives like a campaign to raise awareness of emergency contraception, new guidelines on best practice for the provision of effective contraception and sexual health advice services for young people.

Ms Hutt added: "Teenage pregnancy rates in Wales are still too high, but we are making progress. Last year, I made an extra £54,5000 available to Health Authorities to support investment in sexual health. The same funding will be available in the forthcoming financial year."