THE management of world heritage sites is being discussed by experts in the North-East this week.

Durham, with its dual world heritage sites of the cathedral and castle, is seen as a fitting backdrop for the four-day conference.

It aims to tackle head-on the challenges facing all world heritage sites in Europe, including coping with tens of thousands of visitors, extra traffic, and issues of regeneration.

Durham City Council has joined forces with the English Historic Towns Forum, Durham University and the Council for British Archaeology to stage the conference, World Heritage Sites: Managing Conflict and Change.

Delegates arrived on Tuesday from across the country and toured the city.

Held at the Gala Theatre, yesterday's programme looked at Durham as a case study.

It was followed by guided tours of the cathedral, castle and other places of interest.

Today's session, at The Assembly Rooms, looks at the wider UK perspective and the final theme, tomorrow, is Partnership for Success, again held at the Gala Theatre.

City council leader Sue Pitts, chief executive Colin Shearsmith and Durham University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman, were involved in yesterday's discussions.

Coun Pitts said: "Durham is an extraordinary city, with a proud heritage and a dynamic outlook. Our challenge is to manage the aspirations of the local community, the sensitivities of a historic city with a World Heritage site at its centre, and the need to attract longer staying visitors to experience a thriving city, in a historic context."

Tracy Ingle, Durham's principle design and conservation officer, who helped organise the conference, said it has attracted leading figures in heritage management, conservation and planning from across the UK.