TEENAGE pregnancy rates in Bolton have been revealed as some of the worst in Greater Manchester.

The number of girls under the age of 18 getting pregnant has risen by almost six per cent since 1998, from 249 to 296.

In neighbouring Bury the number of teen mums has fallen by almost 12 per cent, according to the latest figures, which were released this week and relate to 2005.

Only Manchester, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan have also seen a rise in the number of teen mums.

Across Greater Manchester as a whole, the figures have fallen by 1.8 per cent.

Just over 38 per cent of the teenagers who are falling pregnant in Bolton are having abortions.

Bolton's Health Scrutiny Committee is already carrying out a review of teenage sexual health and teen pregnancies in Bolton.

Chairman Cllr Andy Morgan said: "This is an obvious concern and we need to nip it in the bud as soon as possible. The education and health sector need to work together to improve the life chances of not only the young girls but also their children.

"We need to change some young people's perceptions that by having a baby they will somehow jump the list for a council house or be able to leave school early.

"It's about giving them positive life options and more positive alternatives to having children at such an early age. The same goes for the male partners."

The figures have prompted calls for efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies to be stepped up if the Government is to meet its target of halving the numbers by 2010.

Although the number of teenage pregnancies is at its lowest for 20 years, the UK now has the highest rates in Western Europe.