IT WAS a welcome sight for the volunteers at Stockdales when two Cheshire Freemasons visited the disability charity based in Sale, carrying a cheque for nearly £2,000.

Since 1953, Stockdales has been a leader in supporting people with learning disabilities and continually help over 200 children, young people, adults, their families and carers.

The hardworking team run a range of services that help people with a wide range of abilities and needs, but this costs money.

The donation made by local Freemasons will pay for much needed indoor and outdoor play equipment for the charity’s Stockies Juniors project that helps children aged 5 -11 with learning disabilities, autism and life-limiting conditions.

Freemasons Harry Wright and Keith Howbrigg went along to the club to meet the children and see how equipment purchased is already helping enhance the quality of life for the young people who attend.

In addition to what this donation will purchase, there is a sensory wall at the club which includes ripple mirrors and noughts and crosses, a ball pool, basketball stand, wind chimes, recordable and talking flowers, a projector and giant bubble tube.

Stockdales fundraising manager, Natalie James-Crumlish said: “We are so grateful to the Cheshire Freemasons for their generosity and continued support.

"Stockies Juniors helps the kids to have the same experiences as other children.

"Often, mainstream clubs are not geared up to meet their needs which means they could miss out.

"Stockies Juniors addresses this need as many of the children have sensory issues. That’s why this sort of equipment is vital to the club.

"It helps with problem solving, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, visual tracking, curiosity in play and make believe.”

She added: "The club has been an invaluable resource to both the children and their families, who get a bit of time to relax whilst the club is open.

"To have the support of Harry, Keith and the Freemasons they represent is amazing as it helps us to further enhance the children’s experiences.”