HUNDREDS of North-East children will have the chance to speak out about issues affecting their lives at an event next week.
More than 300 youngsters will take part in a two-day conference at Newcastle Civic Centre on Thursday and Friday next week.
Those involved are aged between three and 14 and all go to out-of-school clubs or projects funded by the Children's Fund.
Ania Caink, childcare manager at Newcastle City Council's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership , said: "The conference is aimed at giving young people in Newcastle the chance to have their say in how services are provided.
"This is the third time we have held this children's conference in Newcastle and it has received a lot of support.
Delegates will discuss issues relating to play, leisure and community, themes which the children have chosen as the focus of the event.
The conference, called Children Step Forward - Adults Step Back, will use music, drama, visual art and video as the means by which the children will be able to express their views.
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