A NATIONAL photographic exhibition about domestic abuse is to open in Leyland to mark the first anniversary of South Ribble's women's refuge.

The Breaking Free exhibition by photographer Liza Hamlyn contains photographs of women's experience of domestic abuse, their life in a refuge and their struggle to build a 'normal' life.

It has been sponsored by Leyland-based Progress Care Housing Association -- the organisation which opened Clare House refuge last year.

The exhibition opened in Milton Keynes to national acclaim late last year and highlights the importance of refuges in helping women and their children escape domestic abuse.

It is currently touring the country and will open in Leyland at the South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre, Church Road, Leyland, on July 31 to September 2.

Progress Care marketing manager, Kathleen Reagan Houghton, said: "We are delighted to sponsor this prestigious exhibition because it highlights the importance of 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 that there is a future for them when they leave."

Since it opened Clare House has been filled to capacity with women in need of help and support. It has also won accolades from chief constable of Lancashire Pauline Clare after whom it is named.

The exhibition is open at the from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm on Thursdays and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. Admission is free.