The golden anniversary of a Carlisle charity is being celebrated with a special exhibition, highlighting its life-changing work.

Carlisle Mencap supports both children and adults with learning disabilities in the city.

The exhibition, entitled 50 Years of Carlisle Mencap - Our Lives Now and Then, opens at Tullie House museum tomorrow.

It will feature artwork, photographs and other images that have been collated by Carlisle Mencap’s award-winning Independence Studio, based at the charity’s Grace Little Centre.

The exhibition is funded by the Heritage Lottery, to highlight how care and support for people with learning disabilities has progressed since Carlisle Mencap was founded back in June 1968.

The exhibition follows on from the launch of a short film last year. It portrayed the history of living with a learning disability in Cumbria, and the way people were treated years ago.

It shows how far things have come, from the days where people with learning disabilities were cared for in hospitals, to being able to live independent and fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society.

Sheila Gregory, chief executive of Carlisle Mencap, said: “This exhibition celebrates a momentous year for Carlisle Mencap, remembering 50 years of supporting people with learning disabilities and their families across Cumbria.

“We have made fantastic achievements for this often-marginalised group over those years - putting their talents and achievements on show for all to see - and look forward to doing so for many years to come.

“The artwork produced by the Independence Studio to tell the history is both beautiful and moving. We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery who made the project possible.”

The charity’s chairwoman, Christine Bowditch, added that Carlisle Mencap is proud to be at the forefront of learning disability support nationally, being one of the top five Mencap groups in the country with regards the number of people it helps.

The exhibition launches at Tullie House Museum and art Gallery at 11am, before opening to the public at midday.