A TEENAGE advice service is set to stay open throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Connexions Direct said young people, who could be feeling isolated over the holidays, will continue to have easy access to high-quality information and advice on any issue that may be troubling them over the festive period.

The company said that last year it helped hundreds of young people in East Lancashire find answers to their questions and solutions to their problems over Christmas and New Year.

Connexions provides advice, guidance and personal development opportunities to all 13 to 19-year-olds in England and has offices in Blackburn, Accrington, Clitheroe, Darwen and Burnley.

Connexions personal advisers based in schools, colleges, youth centres and high street drop-in one-stop shops give advice on a range of subjects from careers and education to drug abuse, homelessness and teenage pregnancy.

Adam Stewart, a Connexions Direct adviser who has been working over Christmas, said: "Young people's problems do not disappear just because it is a public holiday so we need to be here, whatever day of the year it is."Young people can make immediate contact with an adviser in a number of different ways: via email or one to one webchat at www.connexions-direct.com.

They can also phone Connexions Direct on 080800 13219 or text on 07766 4 13 2 19.

Connexions Direct will be open between 8am and 2am throughout the holidays.