Posters keeping local dialect alive in town

Karen Thompson says people often see art as "posh" and wants to change that

A new poster campaign trying to keep a town's historic phrases alive has gone on display.

The group Made in Maryport, along with Cumberland Council, has created colourful artwork which can be seen at the town's temporary Maritime Museum.

Organisers say the work was inspired by the people of Maryport, their quirks, humour, and straight-talking attitude.

Karen Thompson, one of the people behind the exhibition, said she was passionate about "hanging on" to local phrases.

One of the town's greetings

The designs were inspired by the Jus’ Git On Wid It Audio Adventure walking tours, which took place last summer.

It explored local archive material and the unique character of Maryport.

Now, organisers hope the posters can encourage people to use the dialect and start talking about Cumbria.

Ms Thompson said she was discouraged from using her local dialect when she was in school and was told to speak "properly".

She added her favourite phrase was "git in amang it", a phrase her father used when she was younger.

She said it was used to encourage her to get up, get moving, and let her know she could do anything.