A ROTARY Club of Bewdley exhibition about polio has been sponsored by Worcestershire-based agency drp.

"The Fight to End Polio" exhibition about the Rotary's role in the eradication of polio is open to the public at Bewdley Museum until July 16.

The exhibition has been supported by drp with design and tech solution, including interactive iPads.

Rotary is a global network of people committed to humanitarian service with 1.2 million members spread over more than 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries.

In 1985, Rotary made a pledge to eradicate polio from the world. Rotary, along with its partners, have helped immunise more than 2.5 billion children against polio, in 125 countries.

Andrew Page, Bewdley Rotary Club's exhibition project leader, said: "The estimated cost of ensuring the world is polio-free is $1.5 billion and so a major objective of the exhibition is not only to raise the profile of Rotary, but also to raise funds for the End Polio Now campaign.

"Even after the very last case of polio is recorded, at least another three years will have to elapse before the world can be certified polio free.

"We are grateful for the support of drp in this ongoing project."

Edward Vickery, head of drpexhibition and live division business development, added: "It is important for us to work with our local community to not only support local charitable organisations, but global ones too.

"We are proud to be working with Rotary to initiate the logistics needed to make the exhibition nationwide."

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. A polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

Europe has been polio-free for over a decade and since 2016 the disease is endemic in only three countries - Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. With only five cases reported this year, Rotary's goal could soon be achieved.