A charity is £1,300 richer thanks to a gala concert staged by the Freemasons' movement.

The Castle Eden Masonic Lodges staged the event at the Crossways Hotel, Thornley, when a packed audience was entertained by Trimdon Concert Brass Band, Hetton Lyon Male Voice Choir and soloist Eddie Gratton, accompanied by Ian Pounder.

A cheque for £1,250 was presented to Muriel Heron, chairwoman of the Durham Invalid Children's Aid Association. A further £750 was handed over to the association by David McFarlane, on behalf of the Durham Masonic Benevolent Committee.

The association, run by a small group of women from the area, has been operating for the past 70 years.

A cheque for £200 was also presented to Hetton Lyon Male Voice Choir and a £300 to Trimdon Concert Brass Band in thanks for their contribution.