CONDOMS are being handed out free to town-centre clubbers as part of a campaign warning about the perilous cocktail of alcohol, drugs and unprotected sex.

The month long scheme is especially targeting young people aged between 18-25 and urges them not be become complacent about the dangers of heavy boozing, drug misuse and unsafe sex.

Sexual health, drugs and alcohol workers have been stationed in participating town-centre bars offering information, support and handing out free condoms.

Hard hitting posters and beer mats have also been put in bars to promote safe sex, and warning about the dangers of drugs and spiked drinks.

Concerns have been raised by local health bosses over the levels of binge drinking locally, following the rapid expansion of the town-centre night scene that now attracts 20,000 visitors at a weekend.

High pregancy rates

St Helens has also had higher than average teenage and unplanned pregnancy rates, though this is believed to have fallen in the past 12 months.

Jane Marshall, senior health promotion specialist for St Helens Primary Care Trust, said: "Nationally there are increases in sexually transmitted infections and so obviously St Helens is affected by that, particularly among young people.

"We are trying to encourage young people if they are trying to be sexually active to be safe. Alcohol and drugs are also a factor in people having unsafe sex so we also need to raise awareness that there are safer alternatives to taking risks."

St Helens' Teenage Pregnancy Team, Drug Action Team, Primary Care Trust and Merseyside Drugs Council have all joined forces to work on the campaign.