MORE than 130 tutors and child experts met at the weekend for a conference on helping youngsters to develop.

The 2002 Early Years conference, at Morton Park Business Training Centre, in Darlington, attracted experts from around the country, including key speakers Dr Margy Whalley and Paddy Beal, both highly respected in the field of early learning.

The initiative is designed to help one to five-year-olds develop a greater understanding of the world before they start school.

Organiser Chris Archer said: "The conference was a massive success."

The event marked the Darlington Putting Children First scheme's annual conference, and also featured workshops to help people find out more about teaching methods.

For details on the 2002 Early Years scheme in Darlington, call Gill Adams on (01325) 388803