A SEXUAL health clinic has been launched at a North-East college in an effort to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Darlington College, working in partnership with Darlington Primary Care Trust, the Denmark Street Practice and Darlington's Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board, is hosting the Friday morning clinics at its £35m campus.

Students and staff will be able to drop in every Friday from 9am to noon to obtain confidential advice from a GP, nurse and sexual health experts.

The range of services includes:

* Information and advice on sexual health;

* Contraception, including free condoms and emergency contraception;

* Pregnancy testing;

* Screening and referral for sexually transmitted infections;

* Advice on unwanted pregnancies;

* Advice on drink and drug abuse, bullying and eating disorders.

Teenage pregnancy co-ordinator Donna Thorne said: "We recognise that the majority of young people are responsible with their health. However, they are experiencing a new, exciting environment and entering adulthood.

"By listening to young people, we know that this can make them vulnerable. They may take risks which could lead to an unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection.

"Placing the clinic in the college gives the young people choice and easy access to contraception and sexual health services."

Darlington College student activities manager Diane Evans said: "Young people can quite easily make decisions that can affect the rest of their lives so this new service is fantastic and will really benefit students."

No appointments are necessary, students do not need to be referred by their GP and everything is handled in the strictest confidence.

The contact telephone number is 07833-944755