Teenagers wanted for Romance Academy

3:44pm Tuesday 23rd November 2004

BRITAIN has the highest numbers of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancies in Europe, while Harrow has some of the highest in London.

Amid this climate of promiscuity and teen sex, the BBC have commissioned a new documentary series, to be set in Harrow, encouraging youngsters to "try abstinence".

The series will follow a group of 15-18-year-olds to see if they can go five months without sex. Dubbed Romance Academy, the unusual show will urge the teens to practise celibacy and encourage them try old fashioned dating rituals.

Eschewing current trends that promote "safe sex", Harrow youth workers Rachel and Dan Burke will teach the youngsters the value of cultivating emotional relationships and the need to wait.

The series, currently in production, is set to appear on our screens next year.

Rachel and Dan have not yet finalised their group and are calling on volunteers. Anyone interested in taking part should call Tim Broklehurst on 0207 317 2230.