Cheshire Freemasons have donated a sum of £300,000 to ten local charities, marking three hundred years of freemasonry in Cheshire.

The beneficiaries include Wirral Hospice St John's, The Underground Training Station, The Joshua Tree, Mentell, Cheshire Without Abuse (MyCWA), Chester Cathedral, Let's Farm, Young Minds Matter, The Christie Charity and PAPYRUS (prevention of young suicide).

Each organisation will receive a donation of £30,000.

A special service of celebration was held at Chester Cathedral on 7 June, where Cheshire Freemasons were joined by families, friends and distinguished guests.

During the service, the Dean of Chester Cathedral was presented with a cheque for £30,000 - one of the ten donations made throughout the day.

Guests were joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, Jonathan Spence - who acts for the Grand Master, the Duke of Kent when he has royal duties.

Following the service, members moved to Chester Town Hall for a special provincial meeting to continue the festivities - where the Pro Grand Master delivered a speech on the history and future of Freemasonry in Cheshire.

Present at the event, were representatives from several charities that Cheshire Freemasons have supported over the years.

They took to the stage to share insights into their vital work and the impact of donations.

"It was truly special to hear directly from these charities about the impactful work they do," said David Dyson, head of Cheshire Freemasons.

"Being able to continue supporting them, especially on such a momentous occasion, truly embodies the spirit of Freemasonry.

"Charity is, and always has been, at the very heart of what we do."

The day concluded with a celebratory banquet held across the Grosvenor Hotel and the Crowne Plaza.