THE darker history of psychiatric care falls under the spotlight at a special exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of the NHS.

Visitors can take a peek into local history when Calderstones Hospital throws open its doors at the exhibition on Sunday.

On display will be photographs and memorabilia of the days when patients at the hospital lived on large, unfriendly wards and were forced to wear straitjackets.

The hospital's general shop will also be open for the sale of crafts and refreshments.

"Calderstones Hospital has a long history and the display will show the early days when patients lived in huge impersonal dormitories and seclusion rooms were used," said Louise Freeman, the hospital's public relations manager.

"But we have also tried to capture the decidedly more pleasant living conditions of today's residents!

"This is possibly the last chance for people to look around the exhibition.

"As the hospital moves residents out into the community and closes its long-stay wards, there are plans to hand over most of the memorabilia to the county museum service," she added.

The exhibition will run from 11am to 4pm.

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