RESIDENTS of Wear Valley are invited to a community conference to help to pave the way to a brighter future for the district.

The third annual community conference will be held at Bishop Auckland College on Saturday, from 9.15am until 3.45pm.

The Wear Valley Local Strategic Partnership and the Community Network will discuss ongoing projects and hold workshops to gather opinions on current initiatives and the area's priorities.

The event aims to gather as many opinions as possible from residents and organisations about issues the district faces to help to plan future activities and service delivery.

Issues will include community safety, housing, the environment, life-long learning, the economy, health and sport and leisure, coping with physical disability and how the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund has been used in deprived neighbourhoods.

This year's event will include activities for young people including music, drama and art. Youngsters will also be asked their views on issues such as health and safety.

David Craggs, Wear Valley Community Network co-ordinator said: "This is a huge opportunity for people to have a direct involvement in the development of the local services within their own community."

To attend, contact Ann Cairns at 2D, in Crook Business Centre, on (01388) 762220.