MORE than 1,000 young people who took their GCSEs and A-levels have been seeking advice on their next step.

In August last year, youth service Connexions Bolton saw 1,002 13 to 19-year-olds at its town-centre shop.

Figures for July have already exceeded that number at 1,022 and this month more young people are expected to call in.

Connexions is the one-stop advisory service for young people. On GCSE results day, many of the organisation's personal advisers were at schools and colleges to offer help to students.

They say it is not too late for teenagers to seek advice on their futures.

Dee Luczka, head of Connexions, said: "Many students feel confused after receiving their results, even if they have performed well.

"Often students discover they have done far better than expected and are in need of assistance just as much as those who don't gain the grades they wanted.

"Young people need to be reassured there are always options available to them. We can help with further education, training and apprenticeships or employment opportunities."

One student, who had a career in hairdressing planned out, did better GCSE grades than she expected and visited Connexions. The 16-year-old said: "I wasn't keen on spending another two years studying in the classroom, but I wanted to keep my options open as much as possible.

"I had looked at A-levels, but wasn't sure which subjects to do. I was really confused and kept getting conflicting advice from my family and friends."

A Connexions adviser suggested she take AS levels over 12 months before reassessing her situation and deciding whether to continue with full A-levels or to become an apprentice hairdresser.

To contact Connexions telephone 0800 052 5559, call in to the Wellsprings or visit www.connexions-bolton.com