The Rotary Club of Cockermouth is launching an annual town conference on important social topics.

This year's conference, which will be held next month, is to be on 'Domestic Abuse and Modern Day Slavery'. It will be run in conjunction with Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area and the Police and Crime Commission.

A spokesman said: "The rise of issues surrounding modern day slavery has now become more widely reported across the nation and Cumbria is no exception.

"Following a positive meeting with Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall the club decided to hold the conference at Christ Church, Cockermouth, from 1pm to 4pm on Friday, May 24.

"Agencies such as Victim Support will be on hand to give confidential support."

The conference is open to all. Speakers will outline the help that is available and real life experiences will be described by those who were able to escape cases of abuse thanks to support from agencies or churches.