THOUSANDS of teachers descended on Bolton for one of the largest education conferences in the country.

People travelled from as far away as Carlisle for the two-day North West Education Conference and Exhibition, held at the Reebok Stadium.

Many headteachers had closed schools early for the half-term holiday to allow staff to attend the annual event. It included seminars and workshops on issues such as the use of information computer technology (ICT) in the classroom, pupils' behaviour, meeting the needs of gifted and talented youngsters, and managing the primary school curriculum.

Guest speakers were invited from local education authorities all over Britain. Union officials also attended and there was a wide range of stalls promoting the latest services and technology for the classroom.

Many teachers were keen to hear Doug Brown, from the Department for Education and Skills, who ran a conference on how ICT is transforming the way pupils learn.

Despite the Government having pledged to invest £1.8 billion for ICT in schools by 2004, some teachers still lack confidence in using computers in the classroom.

Mrs Wendy Nunns, who works at Blackrod Primary School, scooped first prize in the North-west heats of the Teacher of the Year competition earlier this year and will compete in the prestigious national finals later this month.