FREEMASONS are attempting to shed their secret society image after producing a leaflet giving details about themselves.

Blackburn and Darwen masons are placing the leaflet in libraries and public buildings.

It gives the history of lodges in East Lancashire and details thousands of pounds donated to charities.

And on secrecy, the leaflet says: "It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. "There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members."

There are 24 lodges in the Blackburn and Darwen district, with 16 meeting at the Masonic Hall, Richmond Terrace, Blackburn, and seven at the Masonic Hall, Hawkshaw Avenue, Darwen.

The leaflet says one lodge is connected to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School for former pupils and staff.

The 670 masons in the area meet regularly between September and May and the leaflet adds: "Membership is open to men of any race or religious persuasion who are of good repute and accept that the essential qualification for admission and continuing membership is the belief in a supreme being."

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