It is 75 years since the charity Alcoholics Anonymous was founded.

To mark the anniversary an exhibition has opened at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone.

Entitled Darkness into Light, it explores the AA’s beginnings in Great Britain through to the thriving fellowship that serves the community today.

Along the way, the charity has helped millions of alcoholics to stop drinking and live happy, useful, sober lives.

For the first time, the AA has delved into its archive to share images, recordings, literature, and artefacts from its history.

The exhibition stays in Maidstone until October 29, and then embarks on a 12-stop tour of the country, ending at the The Beaney, in Canterbury, from November 12 to January 8.

This Saturday, AA members will also be present to relate their own personal experiences.

James Pearson, the KCC’s head of libraries, registration and archives, said: "The AA has an amazing reputation for helping people.

"Our archives staff, who have been making arrangements for the exhibition, are passionate about making history accessible. They can empower people with facts and knowledge from the past that are capable of healing problems they experience in the present.”

Sarah Hohler, KCC’s deputy cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said: “Alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are pernicious problems that have far-reaching detrimental effects, affecting individuals, their families and the wider community.

“Around 70,000 adults in Kent are drinking at double the recommended safe levels or above. An estimated 19% are binge drinkers."

She said: “As well as untold and incalculable harms at an individual and family level, the costs to the public purse are substantial.

“We convey our deepest appreciation for the good that Alcoholics Anonymous has done in our county then hope as many residents as possible will take the opportunity to visit the exhibition while it is at our two Kent venues.”