PARENTS of children with special educational needs will be given information and advice from a range of experts next week.

A day-long conference, called Parents as Partners, at Ushaw College, near Durham, begins with keynote speakers, followed by experts delivering workshops on a variety of special needs. There will also be a production by young people from Durham's anti-bullying service and displays and information from support organisations. Parent Partnership Services, an alliance of 12 groups offering information, advice and training to parents across the North-East, is staging the event, on Thursday, September 19. Further information is available from Parent Partnership Services' administration officer Victoria Lewis on (01325) 254548.

WALKING GUIDE: Walkers have been striding out to explore Sunderland's countryside with the help of the Wearside Walks Pack, covering areas including High Moorsley, East Rainton, St Peter's Wharf, the National Glass Centre and the banks of the River Wear. The walks, for all abilities, are planned to help people get fit, make friends and discover new places. For copies of the programme, contact Ian Broomfield on 0191-385 9796.

BUSINESS COURSE: People are invited to learn how to put together a marketing plan to start their own business on a course at Chester-le-Street Community Centre, running from 10am to noon on Mondays, from September 16; and from 5pm to 7pm on Fridays, from September 20. Each ten-week course costs £30. For more information, ring 0191-388 4752.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healers is holding a healing session in the Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham, from 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturday. Sessions are held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

CENTRE CELEBRATES: Staff at Derwentside Citizens Advice Bureau are holding a celebration to mark the success of their money advice service at noon on Friday, October 11. The public are invited to attend.

BID FAILS: A family's bid to turn a disused stone farm building into a house has failed. Derwentside District Council's development control committee threw out an application by the Muir family, of Rowley Farm, Rowley, Castleside, near Consett, on the grounds that the extensive conversion would constitute a new building.

HOUSES VICTORY: A plan to build 18 houses on a vacant lot next to the Victory Club, West Road, Annfield Plain, has been backed. Grainger Homes will construct the terraced houses, plus 24 car parking spaces, after Derwentside District Council's development control committee approved the scheme.

DINER STAYS: A hot food trailer can stay put, despite complaints from residents about litter. Julie and Michael Smith, owners of Julie's Diner, have won the right to operate from their site next to Alexval, Tanfield Lea Road, Stanley. Derwentside District Council's development control committee granted full permission for the site, following a six-month trial run.

CHARITY COLLECTION: The National Animal Sanctuaries Support League held a street collection in Durham on August 3 and raised £368.94. The group thanks everyone who contributed.