SEVERAL charities have received a funding boost from members of a masonic lodge.

At a recent presentation evening, the freemasons of Hawarden Lodge presented a number of local charities with donations to enable them to carry on with their work in the community.

Two hundred pound was given to Mancot Community Library, Community Walks, Quay Watermans, Deeside Silver Band, Children's Cancer Support Group and North Wales Chronic Pain Support Group.

Ian Gibbons, charity steward for the lodge, said: "This is the first time we have run an event like this and hope to run many more in the future, reflecting our desire to support local charities and support our local community. It was a great success due to the generosity of local freemasons."

A cheque for £50 was presented to Lauren Kerr for Hawarden District Girl Guides to help with her trip to America for the World Scout Jamboree.

Hawarden Lodge Brethren raised a further £100 by not giving Xmas cards and this was presented to North Clwyd Animal Rescue.

A buffet and refreshments was provided by Ken Elliott and cheques were presented by the worshipful master of the Lodge, Howard Connah, after a brief description of each charity by the charity Steward Ian Gibbons.