WOMEN from across the country will be in York this spring as the National Women's Register (NWR) holds its annual conference.

MP Ann Widdecombe, film maker Binny Baker and York exorcist Rev Tom Willis are among a wide range of speakers at the event, which this year has Exploring Diversity as its theme.

Delegates from all over the country and some from overseas will gather at the University of York in April for a series of lectures, workshops and discussions, as well as social activities and visits.

Carole Rymer, from the NWR, said members were looking forward to the annual event, which also includes the organisation's AGM.

"The total membership is between 7,000 to 8,000 and we are expecting upwards of 600 members at this year's conference," she said.

"We tend to rotate them around the country so it gives different members a chance to attend for the day, although a lot of people come to stay over.

"We are hoping that people will get enjoyment out of the conference, but we have also got some thought-provoking speakers.

"It's all too easy to have a lightweight conference that people enjoy, but then there's nothing to get your teeth into.

"Our theme for this year is 'Exploring Diversity', so we thought we would be diverse with our speakers."

Binny Baker, who is currently running the project, Film Search North Yorkshire, will be talking about film making across the county, collecting and presenting films to communities in rural and inner city areas. Ann Widdecombe is to talk about young offenders and the problems associated with how to deal with them.

Retired East Riding priest Tom Willis is one of a team of 12 exorcists in the diocese called out to deal with haunted buildings and occult disturbances.

He will be speaking about the diverse aspects of belief during the conference, from April 11 to 13.

Mrs Rymer said: "The conference is the highlight event of the year, and it's a chance for people to meet each other.

"The nature of NWR is that it started off as a way to meet other women, if you were new to an area and didn't know anyone.

"It's a good chance to catch up with friends you might not have seen for a long time."

Updated: 10:25 Friday, February 07, 2003