PRIMARY schoolchildren in Darlington will be taught about growing up, their bodies and relationships in an attempt to reduce teenage pregnancy.

A series of storybooks featuring imaginary best friends Lucinda and Godfrey are to tackle issues including relationships, how the body changes, personal hygiene, consequences of actions, bullying and personal boundaries.

Health bosses hope that by having a clear, consistent and informative approach to relationship and sex education children will make the right choices when they are older.

The programme will be launched at Harrowgate Hill Primary School and is expected to be introduced across the borough.

Lucinda and Godfrey books, written by Stockton healthy schools co-ordinator Carolyn Daily and depicted by Darlington illustrator Liz Million, have been piloted by Hartlepool Primary Care Trust.

Darlington used to have one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country.

In 2002, a strategy was drawn up and by 2005 teenage pregnancy had fallen by 25 per cent in the 15 to 17 age group.

Darlington Primary Care Trust's teenage pregnancy co-ordinator, Donna Thorne, said: "As adults, when we think about the word sex and talking to our children we often cringe.

"But if it isn't discussed children will not learn the facts, which may lead to an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

"We teach them how to cross the road, but not about their bodies. We presume the schools fill that gap, but often that's not the case."

There are seven books in the series, designed for children aged four to ten, as well as teachers' notes.

Consent letters have been sent to parents and the initiative is due to start in September.

Healthy school co-ordinator Sandra Saint said fictional characters Lucinda and Godfrey actually grew with the children and stressed their messages were age-appropriate.

"It is not about the physical act of sex at all," she said.

"But the books help clear up misconceptions they have got from their peers and siblings and from listening at doors," she added.

"It also clears up words they will hear in the media - on TV and in song lyrics."