THE personal experiences of people living and working around Morecambe Bay are the focus of the new photographic exhibition at Welfare State International.

Bay Tales is a record of personal stories that reflect people's feelings about what it means to live and work in or around the inspiring area, surrounded by breathtaking vistas and treacherous sands.

During workshops for local people, stories about the Bay apparently ebbed and flowed and photographer Ania Grom-Yoncali captured it on camera in various Bay-related environments, all echoed in the striking exhibition running until September 4 at WSI's Lanternhouse home at Ulverston.

A seaside landlady, boat builder, parish councillor, ex-tap dancer, tour guide, swimmer, bird warden, publican and many others met in an open exchange.

Sharing deep knowledge and passion for the remarkable place, they told WSI stories of communities pulling together and breaking apart, of building dreams and seeing them demolished.

From the bright moonlight morning to the densest fog, the stories transported the listeners to wild places beyond the shoreline.

Ania's images offer an insight into the stories and show a variety of perspectives highlighting the involvement of people and industries with Morecambe Bay.

The poetic musings and images of Bay Tales will be united as a limited edition book and shared through WSI's website, local libraries and heritage centres at a later date, probably January.

And the gathering process continues with another workshop to be staged on August 14 (10am-5pm) at the Lanternhouse Bay Tales story booth.

The photographic exhibition is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm. For further details contact 01229-581127.