Calderdale students are to get the sex factor when a theatre show comes to town to teach them about safe sex.

Ten out of 14 secondary schools in the area have signed up to the play, which they hope will reduce the amount of under 18s getting pregnant in the region from 130 conceptions each year.

Called The Sex Factor, actors from the Theatre and Learning company will teach pupils about how to stay safe, delaying sex until they are older; safe sex and where to go for help, through an entertaining performance.

The programme is based upon research with young people and showcases a range of different scenarios that pupils may find themselves in.

After the play, pupils can talk to a range of experts to ask questions and get more advice.

Calderdale Council is behind the idea which is aimed at those aged 13-15 years old and thinks that it will benefit the current sex and relationships programme already being taught.

It said that despite sex and relationships education and services for young people, around three quarters of teenage conceptions remained unplanned and about half end in an abortion.

Senior Programme Manager in Sexual Health at Calderdale Council, Kate Horne, said: “Around 30% of pupils in Calderdale want more information about contraception, delaying sex and safer sex.

“We want to give them the information that they are asking for in a safe environment.

“There is a risk that if young people don’t hear it from health experts then they may turn to other less reliable sources.

“This could be from friends, where there is a danger of misunderstandings or from pornography.”

There will also be a chance for students, and parents who have also been invited to the first show at Halifax Town Hall on October 3, to talk to health professionals.

Clinical Nurse Manager for sexual health services at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Gillian Bristow, said:“Many young people say they want to hear about sex and relationships from their parents first.

“Some parents do, but some find it difficult because they feel embarrassed or lack the knowledge themselves.”

Places for the performance can be booked by emailing sexfactor@calderdale.gov.uk and can get more sex education information at www.sexeducationforum.org.uk or www.fpa.org.uk.