Newly released figures have found that increasing numbers of teenagers are at risk of pregnancy over the Christmas holiday period.
Local health officials said teenage pregnancy rates were higher at Christmas than at any other time of year.
New data revealed that 48 girls living in Rochdale became pregnant for every 1,000.
The figures were found to be higher than the average in England and looked at girls under 18 years of age.
But despite the rise, the number of teenage pregnancies in Rochdale has declined since 1998.
Cath Hayes, Sexual Health Improvement Manager for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Community Healthcare, said: "Teenage pregnancy rates are decreasing year on year in the borough but still a high proportion are being caught out.
"The risk of becoming pregnant increases over the festive period as partying and drinking makes young people more likely to have unprotected sex. Not only could this lead to pregnancy, it also puts them at risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea."
Kate Kennedy, Teenage Pregnancy manager at Rochdale Borough Council said: "December and January is always a fun time of year, with lots of parties to go to but in the midst of the party season we want young people to stay safe whilst having fun.
"Get your long term contraception sorted to avoid unplanned pregnancies and always use a condom as well to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections. There are services open over the festive period where you can get help and advice if needed; contact them as soon as possible to get help or go to the walk in centre or your GP."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Marie Stopes International comments:
In January and February last year Marie Stopes International’s UK centres saw greater numbers of women seeking abortion services than at any other time of the year. Marie Stopes International have therefore launched the ‘Wrap it Up’ campaign, urging men and women to carry condoms and practice safe sex to stem the rise in unplanned pregnancies which takes place every year over the festive party season. Marie Stopes International’s UK centres are also offering an emergency contraceptive pill (which can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex) at the reduced price of £10 until January 31st 2010 or while stocks last, available to buy in advance of festive parties or following unprotected sex.