More than half a million pounds will be donated to charities across Cheshire to mark the Freemason’s tercentenary.

Cheshire Freemasons will celebrate their 300th anniversary next year by handing out generous donations to worthy causes across the region.

Cheshire’s Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Blank, plans to meet with civic, religious and business leaders across the county to discuss which charities and community groups will benefit from the money.

Cheshire Freemason's Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Blank
Cheshire Freemason's Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Blank

Chester’s most senior Freemason, Assistant Provincial Grandmaster George Mann said: “We are looking forward to celebrating our 300th anniversary by gifting additional support to charities and deserving community groups in the Chester area.

“More recently this has included donations of 34,000 cuddly bears for children in the local accident and emergency unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital, plus a substantial sum to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd at Chester to assist with their building fund, and a significant sum to repair windows at Chester Cathedral.”

The first Freemasons Lodges joined together in London, in 1717, to form the Grand Lodge, now known as the United Grand Lodge of England, located in Great Queen Street, London.