A SEXUAL health event, encouraging young people in the Sedgefield area to stay safe over Christmas, took place in Spennymoor.

The event, which was co-ordinated by the Public Health Improvement Team (Phit) at Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT), was held at the Cube nightclub.

Designed with the needs of young people in mind, it aimed to engage young people with positive sexual health and to celebrate the festive season.

At the event, youngsters had the opportunity to get involved with craft activities and games themed around World AIDS Day and sexual health as a whole.

Sexual Health Service providers from Phit were present to help the young people in interactive activities, and the evening finished with music provided by local radio hosts.

Maria Lawson, sexual health outreach worker from Phit at Sedgefield PCT, said: "Sex and relationships education is a vital part of young people's development, whether it occurs in or out of school.

"The Christmas break represents a time when young people may be vulnerable to risk-taking and peer pressure, so the timing of the event was planned to coincide with this to encourage young people to 'keep safe'.

"Moreover, we wanted young people to come along so that they could increase their knowledge of the services that are available to them through the PCT, and be more likely to approach us if needed, get support and remember to look after their sexual health."

Anyone wishing to find out more information on sexual health issues can contact the Public Health Involvement Team on (01429) 880888.