The rate of teenage pregnancy fell by 15 per cent in Croydon during 2011.

The drop continues a downwand trend that has seen the number of pregnant 15- to-17-year-olds in the borough decrease by 50 per cent over the last 14 years. 

New figures released by Croydon Council show that every 30 out of 1,000 teenage girls fell pregnant in the third quarter of last year, down from 59.8 per 1,000 in 1998. 

The rate remains slightly above the national average of 29.4 per 1,000 girls.

But the council hailed the reduction as evidence of the success of its teenage pregnancy strategy.

Its programme has delivered sex and relationship education to 750 of the borough's most vulnerable teens and provided resources and lesson plans to school teachers to help them discuss the issues with pupils.

Councillor Margaret Mead, cabinet member for health, said: "We welcome these figures, which recognise the success of the programmes we have put in place to address the complex issue of teenage pregnancy.

"However all services must continue working together to maintain this downward trend and provide all the support we can to the young people of this borough."