FREEMASONS from Pleydell Lodge in Swindon have donated over £6,000 to various charities as part of their 'twelve cheques of Christmas' initiative.

The group which meets in the Masonic Centre in Old Town have given cheques for £500 each to Open Door based in Gorse Hill, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Asthma Relief and Brighter Futures.

A gift of £600 was given to CALM and Swindon Women's Aid received £1,000 which will enable them to plan a visit to the pantomime at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre.

For one disabled child in Westlea the gift of £400 will provide a much needed tricycle and for the team at Headway £400 will make their Christmas complete.

Children who visit the A&E department at GWH over the festive period will find a friend in a Teddy for Loving Care with £400 being given to the TLC Appeal.

Jerry Gadd the Master of the Swindon Lodge said: "We are so pleased to be able to support such wonderful charities especially at Christmas. We hope our 'twelve cheques of Christmas' will bring a lot of joy to lots of people."