STUDENTS have been discovering how to plan for their futures with the help of specialists.

More than 20 different organisations from across the North of England attended an annual event designed to inspire students with special needs.

Hosted by the Dales School, at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, the event attracted students, families, carers and professionals from all over the region.

Called Passport to the Future, students were offered a host of information on further education, training and development, employment, leisure opportunities and voluntary work.

Specialist careers advisor for North Yorkshire County Council Bev Dawson said: “All parents have concerns about what their sons and daughters will do when they are older; this is even more the case if children have special needs.

“Passport to the Future looks at all aspects of their lives from education, training, volunteering and employment to social, leisure and domestic issues.”