EMMERDALE stars are backing a new service to help young people with sexual health problems.

Wigan and Leigh's Brook Advisory Service's new integrated information service, supported by Turton High School pupil and actress Sammy Winward and Kelvin Fletcher -- who plays Katie and Andy in the series -- allows youngsters to obtain information through a telephone helpline, a text messaging service and an on-line inquiry service.

The duo were at the centre of a dramatic teenage pregnancy storyline in the ITV soap and believe the confidential new service will make it much easier for young people to access the information they need.

Tracy Thornton, manager of the Brook Advisory Service in Wigan and Leigh, said: "Local services must continue to adapt to meet the needs of young people. This should be at a time that suits them." and in a way that they feel comfortable with." The three main areas of the new service are:

The Brook helpline -- call 0800 0185 023, a free confidential service open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Send a question online -- through a secure service www.brook.org.uk

Text: Create a new message starting with BRK followed by the home postcode and send the message to 0776 2904208 and Brook will text back Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.