YORK is to be the venue for a top level conference on special needs education, said to be the first of its kind in Britain.

And the young star of hard-hitting TV drama Kid In The Corner, Eric Byrne, will be among the 900 people expected at the Learning Must Be Fun event at York University's Central Hall on July 21 and 22.

The youngster played the troubled Danny, suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in a Channel 4 series earlier this year which focused on the condition.

The conference will address a range of conditions, including language and communication, Asperger's and Tourette's Syndromes, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and related difficulties.

The conference has been organised by Yorkshire-based group ADDept, whose leaders say the event has drawn massive interest from home and abroad.

ADDept chairman Bob Breen, of York, said: "It's something unique, blending presentation with the performing arts, celebrating the abilities of people who learn and behave differently."

On the performance side, conference-goers will be entertained by Jerry Mills, a singer-songwriter and motivational teacher from the USA, by the Patricia Veal Dancers from Acomb, and a piece about Einstein by Sarah Breen.

Although a big turn-out is expected for the event and the crche run by York charity SNAPPY for younger children is already full, Mr Breen was keen for local people, including teenagers, to come along.

The normal conference fee of £45 has been cut to £25 for the two days for locals, so long as they are self-catering and can provide their own lunch.

They should call Mr Breen on 01904 782556, or turn up on conference days at Central Hall - which will be signposted from University Road - between 7.15am and 8.30am.

Among the many experts making contributions will be specialist consultant paediatricians Dr Geoff Kewley and Dr Mel Wall; Professor Loretta Giorcelli, of the University of Western Sydney, faculty of education and languages; dyspraxia adviser and trainer Gill Dixon, of Breighton, near Selby; and Harrogate-based Dr Ron Weinstein, a specialist in attention deficit and behavioural problems who has relocated from the USA.

ADDept co-ordinator Mike Fewster said in addition there would be stalls there from many different groups, among them North Yorkshire Police, the Probation and Employment Services, the NSPCC, Mencap, MIND, and the Samaritans.

Mr Fewster added ADDept would be working with participating groups to influence decision makers.