FREEMASONS are to be invited to a civic reception this weekend where they will hand over a donation to charity.

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor John Lightley, is hosting a civic reception for the Universities Lodge of Freemasons today.

Members of the group, along with their wives and partners, will tour Durham Town Hall before handing over £500 to the Mayor's charity appeal, which this year is being split between the Treetops Ward at the University of North Durham Hospital and the Gala Theatre Stage School.

The Universities Lodge, which meets at the Masonic Hall, Old Elvet, was formed in February 1890.