WIGAN and Leigh group of freemasons presented a cheque for £2,300 from their "National Grand Charity" to Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

This is part of £540,000 being donated this year to Hospices nationally, nearly £5m to Hospices over the last 20 years and over £22m to non-masonic charities over the same period.

Eddie Caulfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master said: "These donations are from The National Masonic Charity and are in addition to funds donated locally by lodges."

He added: "For example, a recent sponsored walk for 12 Hospices in the North West raised £45,000."

Hospice Chief Executive Stuart Liptrot said: "We are thrilled to receive another terrific donation from the Masons who regularly support us."