THE difficulties faced by disabled people past and present were the subject of two thought-provoking plays in Hartlepool yesterday.

As many as 20 people with learning difficulties were on stage at the Warren Road Day Centre to mark the European Year of Disabled People.

The first performance was set in a Victorian workhouse, while the second tackled the problems faced by people with learning difficulties in the 21st Century.

Performed in front of their families, carers and people who use the centre, both shows were organised by Cleveland Arts and Hartlepool Borough Council's arts, museums and events service.

Centre worker Steve Lennon said: "Everyone has put a lot of hard work into preparing these two plays over the past few months and we are all delighted by what they have achieved.

"Our talented actors and actresses have already performed one of them before an audience at Hartlepool Art Gallery and they gave a fantastic account of themselves.