EIGHTY Freemasons descended on Hawkshead village to see David Cole appointed new head of the lodge, in place of Phil Burrow.

The annual installation meeting took place in the age-old Market Hall's assembly room.

Principal guest was Frank Umbers, a senior masonic figure from Liverpool, accompanied by the Furness group of lodges' chairman Peter Schofield.

Mr Umbers was given a charity donation to mark the occasion, and said: "What a great pleasure it is to attend a lodge in this wonderful part of the world. It is a unique setting in which to enjoy good company and friendship.”

Dave Sear, communications officer for the Furness and South Lakeland group of lodges, told the Gazette: "The appearance of so many men in dark suits and identical ties was a tourist attraction in itself as visitors from as far away as Japan and the United States were intrigued by the gathering; and after having been informed of the reason took photographs to include in their holiday snaps."

Mr Sear said Masons and their wives had travelled from across Lancashire, Cumbria and beyond, booking up all the village's accommodation.

"The event proved not only most enjoyable but helped boost the local economy," he added.