THE shocking image of what appears to be a heavily pregnant boy is part of a poster campaign to cut unwanted teenage pregnancies in the region.

This novel approach is being used to grab the attention of young people in Wear Valley, an area which has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country.

The aim is to make young people think twice before they risk having an unwanted pregnancy.

Copies will be distributed around the Crook, Tow Law, Wolsingham and Willington areas of County Durham, in places suggested by children.

The image is one of eight produced by year nine pupils from Parkside and Wolsingham comprehensive schools.

More than 90 pupils, aged between 11 and 15, worked on the Teentalk project about teenage pregnancy.

As part of the project, girls and boys from both schools worked with professional artists Julie and Helen Ward to create a set of cartoon strips, posters and postcards which would appeal to their fellow pupils.

One of the young people involved in the project said: "People in this area need to become more aware of the effects of having a child, and that it is not all good and can mess up your life."

Each image comes with a message and includes details of a national helpline and website.

The project was funded by the Single Regeneration Budget and involved the Jack Drum Arts company.