A NEW service was launched yesterday to help young people plan their futures and deal with the big issues in their lives.

Connexions York and North Yorkshire is the Government's new advice and guidance service for all 13 to 19 year olds.

Events will be held throughout the county during September and October to introduce young people to Connexions. A touring bus will take the word to towns and villages across the county.

Chairman Mike Dobson said: "We aim to offer a holistic service, dealing with young people's concerns by giving them access to the specialist support they need."

Connexions can call upon all kinds of support to provide a package of help tailor-made to the young person's needs, including careers guidance, drug action teams and services to aid homeless people and teenage mums

Connexions can be contacted on 0800 323272 or on the web at www.connexionsyorkandnorth yorkshire.org.uk.