STUDENTS are hoping to see their career prospects blossom thanks to the help of specialists in education, training and care.

More than 65 organisations specialising in learning and employment opportunities for young people attended the annual Passport to the Future event designed for students with special needs.

Hosted by the Dales School, at Morton-on-Swale near Northallerton, the event was organised by specialist careers advisor Bev Dawson and assistant head Anne Baker.

Head teacher Hanne Barton said: “We have been running our Passport to the Future day for over ten years now to help young people with special needs and their families find the best possible routes into further education and career opportunities when they leave school.

“I don’t think there is any other event quite like this where parents and carers can come and find all of the information they need under the one roof.

“We have families that come here year after year to speak to people from all of the different organisations to increase their knowledge on what is available to make sure that they have the greatest chance of getting their right place for their children in the future.”

Students and their families were also able to view all the facilities available at school, which offers education up to the age of 19.

Shirley Southcott, of Richmond, whose son Christopher, 16, is a pupil at the Dales School, said: “Christopher has settled in really well.

“Being here enables us to talk to professionals about his options for the future and to talk to other parents who have been through the same kind of experiences.”