An event to explore and immerse yourself in the history of a former mental asylum is taking place in Preston.

Whittingham Asylum, once one of the largest mental health institutions in the UK, sits on the edge of the city.

It is being redeveloped for housing and a project is running to preserve the history of the Whittingham site.

The mental health history project is being run by the University of Central Lancashire.

Reader in democratic mental health at the university Dr Mick McKeown said: “The two-year community project to focus on the history and legacy of Whittingham Asylum is really starting to uncover some fascinating things. This event is a great way to show the public what we’ve done so far and what we’re looking to investigate more.”

Read more: Haunting pictures inside the former Whittingham Asylum

The free day-long event is taking place at the 53 Degrees building in Fylde Road on Thursday 12 October from 10.30am. You can register via Eventbrite.

Whittingham Lives project is researching, exploring and celebrating the culture and legacy of Whittingham Asylum.

The mental health hospital operated from 1873 to 2016.

Do you have any memories of Whittingham? Did you work there? Let us know in the comments below