A CONFERENCE being held tomorrow will aim to thrash out initiatives to ensure vulnerable victims of crime are given a voice.

Not everyone finds it easy to report what they see or hear, so police, lawyers and social services from across North Yorkshire will be attending the meeting to examine ways which will help ensure the courts and the criminal justice system are accessible to everyone.

The elderly, those with learning disabilities or mental disorders are the people with most to gain.

Speakers at Wetherby Racecourse will be chief executive for Action for Elder Abuse, Gary Fitzgerald, director of The Ann Craft Foundation, Debora Kitson, and deputy chief executive of the Leeds branch of Mind, Fiona Venning.

Chief crown prosecuter for North Yorkshire, Rob Turnbull, will also attend.

"This is a very important event for all those involved in the administration of justice within North Yorkshire and is part of an on-going programme to improve the quality of service we provide collectively to victims and witnesses," he said.

"We regard it as crucial when seeking to put in place measures which will help people to access justice that we do not make assumptions about what is required but that we take advice from those who know.

"That is what this day is all about and we believe it is a genuine opportunity to bring about real improvements."