THE Freemasons of Brigantes Lodge, Kendal, have raised £751 for the mayor of Kendal's two chosen charities.

Mayor Cllr Andy Blackman and his wife Sue attended a dinner at Kendal's Masonic Hall, where they were presented with cheques for the Kendal Dementia Action Alliance and the Kendal Family Drop-In Centre.

The brethren raised the money as part of their celebrations of 300 years since Freemasonry began. Past lodge master Richard Johnson said members wanted to benefit the local community where they meet, and the total had been topped up by an impromptu raffle of malt whisky and wine held by another past master, Iain Simpson.