City chalks up schools conference

A major education conference bringing delegates from across the country will be held in York in 2010.

The North of England Education Conference was established more than a century ago and is expected to attract about 400 delegates.

Tourism officials are hoping the event will boost the city's economy.

The conference, at Royal York Hotel, is set to include high-profile speakers such as former Education Secretary Estelle Morris.

Events will also be held at the Minster, the university and York St John University.

Sir Michael Bichard and the University of York's Professor Jonathan Bradshaw will also be speaking.

Councillor Carol Runciman, responsible for children and young people's services across the city, said: "This is a highly prestigious event and I am delighted that we have managed to bring it to York.

"The fact that there will be many high profile and interesting speakers as well as delegates from all over the country is a feather in the cap of the city and an endorsement of the excellent education system we have here."