A REDDITCH businessman and Freemason has helped raise £1,250 during his year as Master of the Integrity Lodge in Warwickshire.

The cash, from fundraising events such as a summer garden party and a Christmas widows' luncheon, is being donated to Mike Hogarth's chosen charity The Noah's Ark Trust, which helps bereaved children.

The lodge also raised a similar amount for Masonic charities.

Community fundraiser for Noah's Ark, Mary Irish, said: "This is a very generous donation. Day after day children and young people in our community experience bereavement and grief.

"It is a sad fact but true that there are a large number who need support."

Mr Hogarth, 52, from Droitwich, is the father of two sons and the manager of Brooklyn Mazda.