PREGNANT teenagers and teenage mothers are given a good standard of education in Bolton, according to school chiefs.

A survey in the borough found the eduction offered to young mums was an "outstanding example of good practice".

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) singled out Bolton because of the range of support on offer, including a specialist young mother's unit and a reintegration officer who specialises in making sure pregnant schoolgirls receive the best education.

A spokesman said: "Bolton has a comprehensive package of support which really does make a big difference.

"Young mothers are offered the full curriculum, and there is the flexibility for them either to go to a specialist school or remain in mainstream education. Girls who choose to remain in mainstream education receive a lot of support."

Fewer than half the nation's local education authorities were found to offer young mums the full national curriculum.

Single mums receive as little as two hours tuition a week in some parts of the country, and many young women were found to lack choices about their education.

Florence Hatton, Bolton's reintegration officer for teenage pregnancy, said girls could remain in mainstream education if that was the best thing for them.

Her role involves working with schools to sort out issues such as uniforms, and getting permission for girls to leave classes early.

Mrs Hatton said: "All the girls do very well.

"This year one of the girls gained six GCSEs at Grade C, and two of those were taken on the labour ward.

"Every girl got at least three GCSEs."