The founder of the L'Arche charity, Jean Vanier, has died at the age of 90.

L'Arche began in 1964 when Mr Vanier invited two men, who were confined to a local institution because of their intellectual disabilities, to come live with him.

The charity has since grown to 149 communities, 14 projects in 37 countries worldwide.

The first community in Ireland was founded in 1978 in Kilmoganny, Co Kilkenny.

Since then, communities have been established in Belfast, Cork and Dublin.

L'Arche in Ireland is currently home to over 50 people with intellectual disabilities and assistants.

The charity said Mr Vanier died on Tuesday in the Maison Médicale Jeanne Garnier in Paris.

L'Arche International leader Stephan Posner said: "Jean has left an extraordinary legacy".

"His community of Trosly, the communities of L'Arche, Faith and Light, many other movements, and countless thousands of people have cherished his words and benefited from his vision."

In addition to his work with the charity, Mr Vanier co-founded the Christian charity 'Faith and Light', and inspired the creation of many other organisations.

He also published some 40 books - including on how people with intellectual disabilities make essential contributions to building a more humane society.

In recent decades, after he retired from his role at L'Arche, Mr Vanier focused more on his personal work and sharing a message of unity, dignity and diversity.