Pregnant young women and new mothers are being encouraged to use an advice centre that offers babies a good start.

The Young Persons Pregnancy Support Group is open to teenagers and young women who need help before and after childbirth.

Based at the Banbury family centre in The Fairway, the group has been running for more than a year.

But project organiser Ruth Clacy, an adult education teacher and nursery nurse, said many pregnant young women in the town do not know help is available.

She said: "Girls who are pregnant but not fully prepared for having a baby can benefit. The group is especially helpful to those without proper family support."

The project, the brainchild of Mrs Clacy, began in June last year after meetings between health and social workers. She said: "We give diet, ante-natal and breast-feeding advice, and provide help with benefit claims and housing. We can also steer young mums back into jobs or education.

"We cater for young women, single and married, from all over Banbury and the surrounding villages."

Call Ruth Clacy on 01295 275507 for details.