MEMBERS of the Free Mason's Victory Lodge in Blackburn have given the East Lancashire Hospice Appeal special New Year boost with a cheque for £750.

A large amount of the cash was raised during the Victory Lodge Ladies Evening held at Mytton Fold Farm Hotel in Lango in March.

Other events included an auction at the home of the Worshipful Master Bob Horsfall and his wife Linda's home in Colne in the summer and a number of tombola and garden events throughout the year.

Funds will be used to provide better day care facilities at the hospice's Park Lee building which will help care for seriously sick people from all over East Lancashire.

The money was presented to hospice fundraiser Stuart Andrew at Victory Lodge on Richmond Terrace last night(10/01).

Stuart said: "This is a fantastic donation and a wonderful effort by the Masons.

"As far as we are concerned we really need to keep the fund-raising momentum going because the autumn will be upon us soon and the new centre will be opened and more funds will be needed.

"This is a really great start to the New Year."