A HOST of charities and groups, including one in Hale, shared between them more than £500,000 in gifts from Freemasons in Cheshire.

In total £516,000 has been donated on behalf of Cheshire’s 5,000 strong group of Freemasons.

It was part of a £33 million charity pot handed out nationally to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Freemasonry with the formation of its ruling body, United Grand Lodge, in London in 1717.

Hale Synagogue was awarded £20,000 towards new kitchen facilities.

Other recipients included Cheshire Scouts who received £50,000 towards their adventure camp at Sandiway near Delamere Forest and grants to scout groups from across the county; and St Ann’s Hospice at Heald Green, which received £20,000 towards replacing pneumatic mattresses.

A further £15,000 was donated towards buying Teddies for Loving Care, which are given to comfort children treated in accident and emergency units across the county.

Peter Carroll, chairman of Cheshire Freemasons Charity, said: “We hope this celebration helps to show that Freemasonry stands as part of the community and not apart from it.

"We feel privileged to be able to support the invaluable work that so many local charities and volunteers are performing in the community."