CO-OP Pharmacy branches in Rainford will not be selling the new morning-after contraceptive pill, Levonel, when it becomes generally available this month.

Superintendent Pharmacist John Nuttall, said: "Although the product will be available in January, we are not allowing sales in our Midlands and North West branches until all our pharmacists have passed their training, which we expect to be in February.

"Our pharmacists are already familiar with the product because it has been available on prescription for many years and they have the skills to counsel patients in a sensitive and informative manner.

"However, by taking this firm stance we hope to ensure that the public will continue to have total confidence in the service we provide."