BLACKBURN'S Brook Advisory Service has hit back at claims that its work is to blame for a boom in teenage pregnancies.

Self-styled social commentator William Oddie launched a blistering attack on the service, which provides free, confidential and non-judgemental advice about relationships, suggesting it was responsible for a lot of young pregnancies.

Mr Oddie comments came after it was revealed that an 11-year-old boy was to be the father of a 14-year-old girl's baby.

But Sheila Shaw, of the Brook Advisory Service, based on Darwen Street, Blackburn, rejected the comments, instead saying their information helps reduce the number of gym-slip mums.

She said: "What Mr Oddie said is absolutely ridiculous.

"According to official figures, the reduction in teenage pregnancies coincides with the expansion of services such as the Brook Advisory Centre."

Mr Oddies's argument centred on the booklets 'Say yes? Say no? Say maybe?' which, he claims, undermines the relationship within a family because parents don't have to be informed.

But, as Mrs Shaw added, one of the first issues discussed is whether parents should be involved.

She added: "We do advise parents get involved, but we are there to provide non-judgemental, confidential advice. It is up to the teenager to decide.

"By giving youngsters advice we find teenagers wait longer before participating in active sex, which is a good thing.

"Sex isn't always a discussion that can take place within the family, so surely if they can get advice from us it is better than going into things totally unaware."

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