ONE-ON-ONE mentors who help pupils through school are the subject of a conference on Teesside this week.

Learning mentors have been posted at schools throughout Stockton to help improve pupil's standards, attendance and reduce the chance of them being expelled.

Now Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson will join other keynote speakers to address a conference at the Oakwood Centre, in Eaglescliffe, on Friday.

Mentors form part of the Government's Excellence in Cities programme which aims to raise standards in urban areas.

The project, which involves all secondary schools, colleges and the local education authority, was launched in Stockton last year.

Lindsay Sunley, Link Learning Mentor for Stockton, said: "This exciting event is the first opportunity for learning mentors across the Tees Valley to join together and take part in a challenging discussion.

"The debate will challenge assumptions and raise awareness of issues surrounding inclusion and raising standards."

The conference takes place from 8.45am to 3pm, and will bring to a close a week of activities held around the country to mark Excellence in Cities week.

Mr Mandelson will be speaking about the Government's social and educational policies.