A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition showing the despair of young impoverished city dwellers is now on at Bridport Arts Centre.

Tish Murtha - Youth Unemployment can be seen at the art centre's Allsop Gallery until October 14.

The display focuses specifically on the hardship suffered by young people in the north east of England between 1979 and 1981.

Some 40 black and white photographs show what Tish saw as the dereliction of young lives amid the poverty of an area with more than double the unemployment rate of the city as a whole.

The pioneering photographer had first hand experience of what it was like to be young and on the dole, and so she wanted to try to help others who saw no real future for themselves by highlighting the issue.

Laura Cockett, the art centre's director, read about Tish Murtha in an article online and approached her daughter Ella to create an exhibition of just a small part of her mother's photographic legacy.

She said: " This is the first time these images have been seen together in 36 years. We are honoured to have them here in the Allsop Gallery and would especially like to thank Ella, Tish's daughter for her support and generosity in making it all come together. "

Tish sadly died on March 13 2013, the day before what would have been her 57th birthday, after suffering a brain aneurysm. As an organ donor she went on to save the lives of four women and the eyesight of four men.

The exhibition features a special recording of Ella talking about her mum and the work on display.

*Tish Murtha, Youth Unemplyment, Bridport Arts Centre, continues until Saturday October 14, Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.