A struggling HIV charity has partnered with a photographer to exhibit the plight of people living with the condition.

Marking National HIV Testing week and World Aids Day, a two week display of Edo Zollo’s photographs began on Monday at the Cathedral.

St Albans-based charity The Crescent, which had its funding cut by the county council, has joined forces with the photographer to organise the exhibition and create awareness.

There are 30 photographs displayed featuring people from all walks of life, from someone who was recently diagnosed to someone who has been living with HIV for 28 years.

Edo Zollo said: “I wanted to offer affected individuals a unique opportunity to share their experiences by being included in this photographic exhibition.”

Iain Murtagh from The Crescent said: “We are immensely pleased to be able to bring this ground-breaking exhibition to St Albans, featuring some of the people we support.

“It is our fervent hope that through exhibiting this work it will raise awareness, plus promote a better understanding of HIV and those it has affected in our community.”

St Albans is nearly 10 per cent above the national average for late diagnosis of the condition, and alongside the exhibition, The Crescent has begun free HIV postal testing.

Iain added: “We believe everyone should be able to use this method if they feel it appropriate for them, and so we have no restrictions on who can use this service.”

The exhibition will continue until Friday December 5, in the North Transept at the Cathedral with entry free of charge.

Full details and opening hours can be found at www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson