March 1, 2001 9:10: A SCHEME which offers advice to youngsters about safe sex, contraception and pregnancy is being hailed as a huge success following a massive increase in users.

Martin Skinner, co-ordinator of the Youth Enquiry Scheme, based in Frogmoor, High Wycombe, says that the sexual health service provided for youngsters, which first began in October 1997, is going from strength to strength.

In the 12 months from April 1999 to March 2000 there were 490 queries from youngsters about sex, pregnancy and contraception.

Initially the service was only provided on Monday evenings but over the last year the opening hours have been substantially extended and it is now open from 11am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.

In the nine months from April to December last year there were 691 inquiries, an increase of 41 per cent on the previous whole 12 months.

News of the increased interest in the service comes after the Free Press reported last week that the number of cases of HIV in South Bucks has risen for the third year running and health officials stated that it was mostly affecting those under 35 years of age.

Mr Skinner said: "One of the targets of the Government is the prevention of teenage pregnancies and we are contributing towards that. I am very pleased with it.

"If they are pregnant they think 'what do I do?' We are helping them to look at their sexual life and safe sex. We can refer them to doctors for emergency contraception. Often they don't realise it is still free if you go to the doctor.

"At the chemist emergency contraception costs £20 over the counter and they can only get it if they are 16."

Caroline Oldfield