THE future of Yorkshire in a European setting will come under scrutiny at a high-profile conference organised by the Royal Geographical Society.

Three crucial aspects of how the region can meet the challenges of closer links with Europe will be explored at the event.

Specially-invited speakers will consider the economic, social and community, and policy dimension, and there will be the chance for participants to discuss the ideas raised.

The first session will hear Professor Peter Roberts, of Dundee University, speak on Changes, Challenges and Common Causes.

He will be followed by Professor Harvey Armstrong of Sheffield University on Structural Funds - post 2006.

The post-lunch session, with RGS president Sir Ron Cooke in the chair, will be addressed by Robin Guthrie, a former Council of Europe Director, on the wider socio-political context, and by Professor Janie Percy-Smith, of Leeds Metropolitan University, on social exclusion.

The final session will include a talk from the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Nic Dakin, on the opportunities that Europe offers Yorkshire and Humber.

The conference will be held at the Tempest Anderson Hall in York on Wednesday, October 16, from 10.30am to 6pm.

Tickets for the day cost £10 (£5 for RGS and Yorkshire Philosophical Society members, £2 students). Add £5 for lunch. They are available from William Smith, 6 Sterne Way, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, YO61 1DG. Tel: (01347) 810709.