A SERIES of free lectures on aspects of transport will be held in Stockton next month.

The lectures have been jointly organised by the University of Durham Queen's Campus, Stockton, and local churches.

Sponsored by Tees Valley Regeneration, the lectures will take place at Stockton Riverside College on Thursday evenings in May, and will be followed by refreshments and questions to experts.

Professor Roy Boyne, vice-provost at the Queen's Campus, said: "It seems highly appropriate this subject should be tackled here in Stockton, the birthplace of passenger rail travel.

"Whether stuck in a traffic jam or organising a foreign holiday, we are all aware of what a crucial part transport plays in our lives.

"This series of talks provides a great opportunity for all of us to hear some of the leading experts on moving people."

The series will begin on Thursday, May 8, when Dr John Smith will talk about mobility and urban development.

This will be followed on Thursday, May 15 when Colin Divall, professor of railway studies and head of the Institute of Railway Studies at York University and the National Railway Museum, in York, will talk about transport in Britain from 1800 to 1840.

On Thursday, May 22, John Urry will discuss dilemmas of a mobile world and, on Thursday, May 29, Jenny Mageean will talk about tomorrow's transport today.

For information, contact Paul Walker on (01642) 558888.