EDUCATION guru Sir Ken Robinson will be addressing York teachers at a conference taking place in the city next week.

Sir Ken, a business, creativity and education expert, will be speaking at the sixth annual education lecture at the National Railway Museum, on Thursday.

Patrick Scott, director of education at the City of York Council, said: "I consider us extremely fortunate to have attracted Sir Ken to York to deliver the annual education lecture.

"He is an entertaining and inspirational speaker, and his work is of critical importance to both schools and business."

The former professor of creative education at the University of Warwick was knighted in June 2003, for his services to the arts.

In 1999 he carried out an investigation for the Government into creativity within British schools and produced the Robinson Report.

Since then, Sir Ken has become a leading force in the development of creativity.

In 2000 he was voted business speaker of the year.

At the lecture, Sir Ken will talk about what creative people are like and whether creativity is something people are born with, or something that can be taught and learned.

He will also discuss current education policies and whether education policy makers, both locally and nationally, have got it right.

Coun Carol Runciman, executive member for education with City of York Council, said: "Our schools are creative and innovative places that encourage children to be alert and aware of the world around them.

"I am sure that this opportunity to hear a speaker of international repute will be welcomed by those involved in education in York and will stimulate thinking in this important field."

Mr Scott said: "Education in York aims to go beyond the basics and we believe that Sir Ken Robinson can help show us the way. We want young people to develop as creative individuals, capable of thinking for themselves."

Updated: 09:54 Saturday, March 06, 2004