A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition about domestic abuse opened in Leyland to mark the anniversary of South Ribble's first women's refuge.

Breaking Free at South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre, in Church Road, Leyland, was launched by David Borrow MP on Friday, August 10, marking one year since the opening of Clare House.

Leyland-based housing association Progress Care opened the refuge, which is why they are sponsoring the exhibition.

Kathleen Houghton, marketing manager at Progress Care, said: "We are delighted to sponsor this prestigious exhibition because it highlights the importance of the work of our women's refuge and all the others in the country.

"It is about the direct experience of women and their children showing not only that refuges are safe havens for them but also there is a future for them when they leave."

The exhibition contains photographs about women's experience of domestic abuse and their life in a refuge and beyond, and runs until September 2.

It is open from 10am until 4pm on Tuesday and Friday, from 1-4pm on Thursday and 10am-1pm on Saturdays, and admission is free.