GIRLS as young as 12 have been turning up at a sex advice centre for pregnancy tests, according to its annual report.

But even though the Brook Advisory Centre for teenagers saw a massive surge in demand for its services last year it is still struggling to find funding.

The centre offers free advice on contraception, pregnancy and other sexual problems to teenagers.

The annual report is from the Blackburn centre, where one in six callers are from Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Ribble Valley and Hyndburn.

And last year the number of people who visited the centre increased by almost a third to more than 4,000. But the directors of the charity say they are struggling to make ends meet because of a lack of funding.

The majority of people who visit the Darwen Street centre are aged between 14 and and 20 and many of those seeking help are young girls.

The youngest pregnancy dealt with at the centre was a 14-year-old but girls as young as 12 have taken tests.

A number of teenage pregnancy cases have recently hit the headlines including a case in Sheffield where a 12-year-old girl became the youngest mother in the country.

The group's annual report reads: "In spite of publicity about teenage pregnancy, the vast majority of young people do not get pregnant.

"Although for some teenagers, parenthood does seem to offer an attractive option when the future seems to offer little else.

"Those who do have access to a good education both in the home and at school and see alternative prospects for the future, generally decide to wait until other things are in place before starting a family."

Most of the people visiting the centre come from the Blackburn with Darwen area but youngsters travel from across East Lancashire for consultations and advice.

The Brook Centre has been running for five years and was recently awarded a grant to pay for a refurbishment.

Sheila Shaw, the centre manager, said: "We have tried throughout the year to inspire funders to finance the work we do.

"We need additional funds to support the health, educational and social work which is so central to our function."

She added: "Over the year the numbers using our service have increased by 27 per cent.

"There are occasions when clients have to wait too long or leave because they cannot wait.

"In an atmosphere of concern about young people and the levels of teenage pregnancy this is most regrettable.

"The employment of additional medical staff is the only acceptable way of addressing this situation and this requires more money."

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