The government is launching a £10m drive to reduce the number of girls who drop out of school because they have become pregnant.

Britain has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in western Europe.

Ministers have pledged to half the number in 10 years.

Grants to local education authorities will fund a variety of projects, including one intended to bring home to teenagers the realities of early parenthood.

Tactics will include playing them a half-hour tape of a baby crying, and making them push a heavily-loaded buggy.

The £10m is to be allocated to areas which have a high incidence of teenage motherhood.

One of the aims is to ensure that girls who do have babies do not drop out of school simply because of motherhood, but receive enough support to allow them to continue their studies.

Ministers also intend to reduce the rate of teenage conceptions by broadening the horizons, aims and ambitions of teenage girls.

Education Minister Estelle Morris said: "This £10m gives schools a real chance to change the fortunes of girls at risk of becoming mothers at a young age.

"This new money will support innovative projects in schools aimed at raising attainment and self-esteem. It will complement the personal, social and health education pupils already receive."