A popular visitor attraction in Whitehaven has held a special event to commemorate Black History Month.

Information was on display and guest speakers provided an insight into black history on our area.

Around forty people attended and local officials came to learn and share thoughts on the topic.

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners CEO John Baker said: "We could not be more pleased with the event and with the excellent, broad attendance. It was an incredibly engaging and indeed emotional evening.

"Our thanks go to the guest speakers."

The speakers Ray Greenhow, an ex police officer and expert on John Kent who was Britain's first black police officer.

Anti Racism Cumbria Chair Janett Walker spoke at the event and also John Baker himself.

Local business owner Gerard Richardson attended the event, along with Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie and The High Sheriff of Cumbria’s partner Soo Redshaw.

Nick Lancaster, a photographer, has had his work exhibited in the courtyard and he will be donating proceeds towards Anti Racism Cumbria and the Lighthouse renovation project.

The aim of the event was to look at influential black people in Cumbria's past and present.

It is hoped that it will help tackle and eventually bring an end to racism through both action and education.

There is also an exhibition that will be running in the museum until the end of the month.

Mr Baker said: "Ray’s insight into John Kent’s history, and indeed the wider social history of that period in time, was fascinating and enlightening.

"Janett’s own talk came from her heart and you could hear a pin drop whilst she was speaking, incredibly inspirational.

"This is another small step for Whitehaven’s Rum Story, as it seeks to significantly enhance and improve its visitor experiences through it’s story telling."

Louise McKenna, general manager of The Rum Story, said: "When we reopened earlier this year after a period of closure due to Covid, we reached out to Anti Racist Cumbria to discuss elements of the attraction.

"Whilst The Rum Story deals with the rum trade and touches on many aspects of it, there is a section on enslaved people and we wanted to make sure the narrative was modern and in line with today’s society."

The Rum Story are encouraging people to attend the rest of the exhibition.