A UNIVERSITY is planning to carry on the controversial work of an academic who died in the Selby rail crash.

Professor Steve Baldwin defied the establishment by setting up the UK's first clinic to wean children with behavioural problems off the mind-altering drug Ritalin.

Despite claims that it helps thousands of British children to cope with attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Prof Baldwin was totally opposed to its use on youngsters.

In the face of opposition, he set up his clinic that used a non-drug approach, including special diets, counselling and psychotherapy, and invited referrals from GPs across Britain.

Supporters were devastated when the Selby disaster claimed Prof Baldwin's life and closed down his Teesside University clinic.

But following pleas from charities such as Overload Network International, which is in touch with 28,000 British families who want to wean their children off Ritalin, there has been a breakthrough.

Dave Woodhouse, head of psychology at Teesside University, revealed plans to revive his former colleague's clinic.

He said: "There are moves in the pipeline to continue Steve's work. We are hoping to reopen his clinic.

"If things go according to plan, it could be running by September."

A former student of Prof Baldwin who also feels strongly about the use of Ritalin to control behavioural difficulties is being groomed to take over the running of the clinic, said Mr Woodhouse.

As well as reviving the clinic, the university has also organised a memorial conference on Thursday, the anniversary of his death.

Experts from as far afield as the United States are due to speak at the Teesside University event.

The all-day conference will also feature contributions from parents.

Mr Woodhouse said the intention is to have a series of conferences covering different aspects of the debate over ADHD and Ritalin.

"Our aim is to get the debate going again," he said.

The first conference will look at the highly controversial subject of diagnosing ADHD.

Future topics will include other ways of treating the disorder.

News that the regular Middlesbrough clinic is expected to resume was welcomed by Janice Hill, director of Overload Network International.

"There is no alternative to what Steve Baldwin was offering on Teesside. It is very good news that his work is being carried on," said Mrs Hill, who worked closely with Prof Baldwin