SEVENTY brethren watched as Howard Connor was installed as worshipful master of Union Lodge at Kendal Masonic Hall.

The lodge is the oldest in the Cumberland and Westmorland province, having been founded in 1764. Mr Connor is the 202nd master to take the chair of the "illustrious" lodge.

At the gathering was provincial grand master Norman Thompson. To mark the occasion, Mr Connor presented a £300 cheque on behalf of Union Lodge members towards the purchase of a second new motorcycle for Blood Bikes Cumbria.

The fully kitted out and liveried bike will cost more than £18,000 and it is hoped it will be presented to the charity this spring.