A Bingley woman has the mammoth task of organising a major international conference in South Africa.

For the past three years Pam James has been booking speakers and entertainers, choreographing a spectacular flag show and researching accommodation for the week-long event in Durban.

As conference chairman for Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, the 65-year-old has been responsible for the logistics of the huge operation which begins on October 22.

Mrs James, a national project consultant for a sheltered housing firm, said planning the event from her Beck Lane home would have been impossible without e-mail.

"It's certainly made my life a lot easier," said Mrs James. "Women from 31 countries, including Pakistan, Thailand and Nigeria, will be coming and being able to send off an e-mail to someone on the other side of the globe has helped considerably.

"It's been a mind-blowing job, there's so much to think about and so much to look forward to."

The conference, at the Durban International Convention Centre, will focus on the theme 'You Can't Beat a Woman'.

It will cover women's achievements as well as the abuse of women and children.

Speakers will talk about issues including family, and problems of trafficking women and children into slavery and prostitution.

A representative from the International Red Cross will also talk about Limbs for Life, the Soroptimists' chosen charity.

Entertainment will include the Soweto String Quartet, who recently performed at St George's Hall, the Durban Divas singers and the Gum Boot Dancers.

"About 100 women from Yorkshire will be attending and it offers an exciting personal opportunity to travel to see this amazing country and meet its varied and interesting people," said Mrs James.