Rotherham teenage pregnancy rate hits new low

In 1998 — when national targets were introduced — there were 266 conceptions involving girls aged 17 or younger.

This rose to 285 a decade later but the latest available figures, for 2012, show this has been cut to 144.

The rate of pregnancies per 1,000 girls is now below that of Sheffield, Barnsley and Doncaster and close to the national average.

Public health specialist Anna Clack said: “The reduction in teenage pregnancy in Rotherham is commendable, and has been delivered with the support of a range of high quality services and provision.

“The challenge now is to build on progress without ring-fenced funding and during a period of budgetary challenge.”