YOUNG people across Halton can now get expert help planning their future with the opening of two new Connexions centres.

Not only can they use the new centres to find out more information on education and careers but there will also be advice on hand for youngsters with plans to put information points across the towns so that help is available within one mile of every persons home.

The centres have been created in a partnership between Greater Merseyside Connexions and Halton Youth Services and are based at Halton Lea Shopping Centre in Runcorn and Albert Road in Widnes.

They are open to teenagers, their parents and carers and will offer a wide range of services and guidance on education, work-based learning, jobs and volunteering opportunities that are supported by Halton Voluntary Action. Primarily the service is available for those aged between 13 and 19 but, in some cases, they can help those up to the age of 24.

The Runcorn centre has also linked up with Halton Primary Care Trust to offer young people a Choices Sexual Health Clinic and the Widnes centre will have an updated cyber caf for members of the public to use.

Dave Szczerba, team manager for Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership in Halton, said: "This development will help improve public access to our services and broaden out the range of information and advice available for young people."

To find out more about the services available from Connexions, including the facilities and opening times at the new centres, visit connexions-gmerseyside.co.uk or haltonlearner.com or call the Youth Service Office on 0151 422 5503.