'I never thought I'd be able to take photographs'

Photographs taken by visually impaired people have gone on display in a new exhibition.

The images have been shot by nine members of Vision Northumberland, which supports those who are blind and have issues with their sight.

The work is being shown at the Coquetdale Arts Centre in Rothbury, Northumberland.

Alison Murray, who has lost much of her central vision, said it was "such a proud moment for all of us".

It is the first time any of the group have had their photographs publicly displayed.

Ms Murray, 48, has an eye condition connected to diabetes, which also means she struggles to read.

"I've always wanted to take photographs and when I lost much of my eyesight 20 years ago I never thought I would again" she explained.

"Cameras a long time ago were very different, now with digital photography you can see what you've taken, and if you've got it wrong, you can try again.

"It's amazing, to have my work on display is something I wouldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams."

Another exhibitor is 86-year-old Joan Costley, from Rothbury, who has macular degeneration which affects the central vision.

"I thought it was a bit of a funny thing to be doing when you're partially sighted" she said.

"But I had a digital camera which my grandson had given me years ago which I'd never used, and I thought my picture of the boats at Amble came out very well.

"I'm quite proud to think people will see my photographs... and it's lovely to have everyone's work here too," she added.

The free exhibition runs until the end of June.

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