NEW shocking figures show that Barrow is the teen pregnancy capital of England and Wales.

Information released by the Office for National Statistics revealed that 17 in every 1,000 girls under 18 in the borough gave birth last year.

This is in stark contrast to the national picture that has seen teenage pregnancy rates fall sharply in recent years.

Concern has been raised from youth organisations on the impact that becoming parents at such young age can have on teenagers.

Statistics show that teen parents are at a greater risk from poverty, low aspiration and mental health issues.

Hilary Pannack, CEO of Straight Talking Peer Eduction said: "Early parenthood is not an issue in itself but it mostly results in dependence on the state long into the future.

"The fact that most teenage mothers leave school early and have no qualifications, means that it is closely linked to poverty."

Figures from the Local Government Association have shown that young mums are three times more likely to suffer from post-natal depression or other mental health issues.

The problems of unemployment, lack of social mobility and long-term poverty are also key factors when understanding teenage pregnancy.

Ms Pannack said: "The public have the notion that teenage parents are granted a three-bed house with plenty of money in benefits – nothing could be further from the truth.

"They often live in desperately poor housing with no extra income for themselves or childcare which means that there is a loss of childhood and friends and they suffer from very poor outcomes."

In Barrow there are a number of groups that offer support to young people, including young parents.

Katy Wilson-Scott from Women's Community Matters spoke of the services they offer to women in need.

She said: "We're here for young women that need help. We discuss issues that young people may have such as sex or relationship issues."

The stigma that surrounds teenage pregnancy was in Ms Wilson-Scott's view a far more damaging to young parents.

She said: "In the long term, that stigma can be worse than actually being a young parent."

The figures for Barrow stood out among its neighbours.

Births for girls under 18 per 1,000 in Copeland and South Lakeland were 7.2 and 2.5 respectively.

Outside of Cumbria the next highest rate was in North East Lincolnshire and Lincoln, both recording 15.6 per 1,000, followed by Preston with 14.8.

As well as the social and economic pressure having children young can lead to, there are also serious health risks associated.

An enquiry carried out by MBRRACE-UK found teenage mothers had the highest neo-natal mortality rate, at 4.4 to every 1,000.

It was also found that teenage mothers are twice as likely to suffer fatal complications during childbirth.