HEATH experts are going Dutch in their bid to put a cap on the number of teen pregnancies in Southampton.

They are telling youngsters across the city to delay having sex in a similar strategy that proved successful in The Netherlands almost 40 years ago.

Their latest method of trying to reduce the number of gymslip mums comes after latest figures show Southampton has the highest number of conceptions among 15-to 17-year-old girls on the south coast.

The figures mean Southampton's under-18 conception rate has hardly changed since seven years ago - despite a five-year programme money to cut teen pregnancies.

This year is the last the city will receive an annual £187,000 government grant specifically aimed at reducing teenage conception rates.

Projects that have been funded so far include developing initiatives with schools, improving access to contraception and sexual health services, development courses for teachers and community nurses and supporting teenage parenting groups.

Now health bosses at Southampton Primary Care Trust, responsible for local health services, are trying to convey the message to the city's teenagers to delay having sex.

The Redbridge, Freemantle, Bargate and Woolston wards were found to have the highest under-18 conception rates in the city.