London, Nov 13 Officials in Spain are launching a major programme to help children in their 'discovery of self-pleasure'.

The 12,600-pound campaign, being launched by Extremadura's socialist government, is aimed at teaching young people how best to set about 'sexual self-exploration'.

'Pleasure is in your own hands' campaign includes leaflets, flyers, a 'fanzine' and workshops for the young in which they receive instruction on self-pleasuring techniques along with advice on contraception and self-respect.

Extremadura's government is funding the campaign through its youth and women's affairs departments.

"The campaign is simple, clear, natural and easily understood by the people it is aimed at, who are aged between 14 and 17," the Telegraph quoted Laura Garrido, president of the Youth Council of Extremadura, as saying.

The Guardian reports that the campaign has sparked political controversy and challenges traditional Roman Catholic views on sex, the Guardian reports.

Local opposition leader Hernandez Carrsn of the rightwing People's party said: "This is an intimate subject that should be dealt with at home. We have become the laughing stock of Spain."

"They are interfering with the right of parents to educate their own children about a matter as important as their sexuality," said the conservative Confederation of Fathers and Mothers of Schoolchildren. (ANI)