AN OUTDOOR photography exhibition, giving a glimpse into the lives of people affected by learning disabilities, was launched at Liverpool One yesterday.

Mencap Snap! Active 2010 is displayed on giant cubes at Thomas Steers Way, until January 15.

The 22 photographs are a mixture of portraits of those with a learning disability or images taken by them on the theme “being active”.

Entrants were asked to submit pictures and films showing what makes them happy, sad, angry, proud or excited about being active.

Fifteen Liverpool residents won an award for their work, including John Hogan, of Mossley Hill, whose photograph shows his 18-year-old daughter, Shauna, getting ready to compete in the Downs Syndrome International Swimming Organisation’s European Championships last year.

He says: “I think it captures her determination and concentration as she contemplates the challenge ahead.

“As her proud dad, I wanted to celebrate this event. I also think it promotes a really positive image of a young person who has a learning disability engaged in a sporting activity and competing at a fairly high level.”

Sarah Jones, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap Liverpool, adds: “It is fantastic to see that so many people from Liverpool entered the annual competition to support Mencap, and even better that so many were recognised with an award.”

The winning photographs are being toured around the UK, finishing in Birmingham.