THE first payment of a five-year rolling grant programme has been presented to a charity for adults with learning disabilities by a Masonic group.

The grant from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Master Masons Yorkshire North and East Ridings will total £10,000, and the first £1,000 was handed to Northallerton-based Northdale Horticulture earlier this year.

The charity provides training and work-based activities for adults with learning disabilities across Hambleton and Richmondshire in garden nursery work, landscape gardening, woodwork and arts and crafts.

Les Race, charity steward of Alverton Lodge, said: “Northdale is such a worthwhile cause, and the people there are so relaxed and friendly.”

He added: “We are proud to support them in providing such a wonderful service to the community.”