More than 2bn texts are sent in Britain every month

In what is thought to be the country's first scheme of its kind, they will keep in touch by sending text messages to mobile phones through the internet.

Staff will send messages to groups of teenagers - informing them of events or chances to vote on important decisions.

The system will be rolled out city wide in the next few months after successful trials in some departments.

High target

Texting is an increasingly popular way for people of all ages to communicate short messages using mobiles.

Nottingham City Council says it wants to use this method in its youth services to keep up to date with trends - and make swift contact.

Workers can send and receive texts through the internet.

The council says it will help them meet government targets of reaching 7,000 of the city's teenagers each year.