The county’s Freemasons donated over £1.7 million to several charities and good causes across the county in 2018, according to figures released this week.

Donations from several Masonic Centres have managed to match the amounts raised which were unprecedented in 2017.

Members of the Chingford and Loughton lodges approximately raised £340,000 which will be distributed to hospitals, air ambulances, schools, hospices and food banks.

Rodney Bass OBE, provincial grand master, said: “Essex Freemasons are making a huge difference in every area of the county.

“It seems that every year we set yet another new record for the amounts of money we raise and the number of charities we support.

“We have now donated in excess of £3.4 million over the last two years and there seems little sign that this level of giving is going to stop. Every year I am humbled by the generosity of our members and the real difference we are making in every locality.”

Wing walking, sponsored walks and quiz nights were some of the many methods Freemason members organised to receive donations across the county.

“As long as it’s fun and enjoyable Essex Freemasons will continue to reach these remarkable totals,” added Mr Bass.

“I cannot even begin to predict what our figures will look like in 12 months’ time as all the signs suggest that there is plenty more to come.”