A CONFERENCE to shape the revival of the region's rural areas will be held at York Racecourse this month.

John Craven OBE, star of BBC TV's Countryfile, will chair the proceedings, aiming to identify opportunities where organisations call pull together to help revival.

The Yorkshire & Humber Rural Affairs Forum will be hosting the one-day event on March 19, funded by Yorkshire Forward and the Countryside Agency.

Alun Michael, Minister for Rural Affairs, will deliver the keynote speech, setting out the Government's priorities for rural areas.

John Napier, chairman of the Yorkshire & The Humber Rural Affairs Forum, said: "We know that there are many individuals and groups across the region who are passionate and committed to a wide range of rural issues and concerns. We want to hear from the people who are making things happen on a day-to-day basis, to tell about the challenges they've faced and what they want to achieve."

Places are free, but allocated on a first- come, first-served basis.

Contact Michelle Walker, conference co-ordinator, Yorkshire & Humber Assembly, 18 King Street, Wakefield WF1 2SQ. Tel 01924 331555.

Updated: 09:11 Thursday, March 06, 2003