Aimed at teenagers, the campaign has been launched by East Sussex County Council officers working in partnership with the Health Promotion Team from the East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT and the Hastings and Rother NHS PCT.

The aim of the Is This Love? campaign, which runs from February 9-16, is to get young people to think more seriously about sexual health issues and also to make sure they know where to go for advice, information and support.

Secondary schools and colleges across the county will be receiving publicity material for display and distribution during the week including 'Valentine card' information packs for students in years 10 and 11.

Sixth form students from across the county will also be targeted with a special event on Valentines Day at Sussex Downs College on February 14.

Students will be able to get the same information and advice from nurses and sexual health staff.

One of the key messages being promoted is that young people should not feel pressurised into having sex.

That, despite the impression they may get from TV or magazines, not all under-16s are having sex.

To assist schools, East Sussex County Council is also organising some special training during February aimed at helping teachers deal with sexual health issues.

Cllr Meg Stroude, the county council's lead member for children and families, said, "We are delighted to be working with the Health Promotion Team on this campaign.

"We hope that it will help to get more young people thinking about their own sexual health, but of course it's also part of our on-going work, with our partners, to reduce teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

"This campaign is also part of our wider work to help build the confidence and self-esteem of young people and to help them have the courage to make the right decisions about their lives."