Relationships can be awkward for many young men.

The service is aimed at teenagers and young men aged 13 to 25.

The men can text questions to the service and a young men's worker will reply with advice and support.

The service is funded by the County Durham Teenage Pregnancy Board and is anonymous, with phone numbers only kept long enough to reply.

Ady Davis, a sexual health worker in Durham, said boys and young men often feel pressurised to have sex at a young age.

He said: "Sexual health services have traditionally been seen as services for women.

Teenage pregnancy

"It is often difficult for a young man to ask the questions that matter.

"Seeking help and advice is still seen as a weakness rather that a strength."

Organisers hope the service will help raise sexual health awareness.

Gail Thompson, teenage pregnancy strategy coordinator, said: "Young men provide half the solution to tackling Britain's high rate of teenage pregnancy.

"Until now, little has been done to engage them within sexual health services.

"I would encourage young men to pick up their mobiles and text their question rather than sit and worry about something or pretend it will go away."

Young men can text: TP (space) LADS (space), followed by their question and send it to 60003. Standard text costs will apply.