FREEMASONS gave 17 charities and good causes a boost by sharing out more than £4,000 between them.

And at a meeting at the Masonic Hall, Darwen, representatives from the beneficiaries gave talks to Blackburn and Darwen masons members on the work they do in communities.

Charities and good causes receiving cash included the Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal, the Blind Society, Arthritis Care, Blackburn Infirmary's children's surgical unit and Stanley Grange Care Home, Samlesbury

Ian Ashton, of the Freemasons, said: "It was a wonderful evening and quite humbling."

The cash was raised through private collections by masons from across the borough.