THE Government has been accused of snubbing a conference organised by North families whose lives have been devastated by murder.

Members of the North of England Victims' Association (Neva) will gather on South Tyneside this weekend where speakers will ask "what has been done in the last year?".

The second annual conference is funded by the National Lotteries Charity Board.

David Hines, chairman of Neva, formed the group in 1992 after his daughter Marie was murdered by an ex-boyfriend.

He said: "Once again, we have been snubbed by the Government - even though they were given more than six months notice that we would like someone to attend.

"That will form some of the basis for discussion, because it gives some indication of the support we have received from the Government.

"Another subject of discussion will be the Human Rights Act and how it will affect the loved ones of murder victims."

Neva is a registered charity and has helped more than 40 families around the country who have been crime victims.

The group supports The Northern Echo's Criminal Injustice campaign to seek a better deal for those left behind after an unlawful killing.