GENEROUS freemasons from lodges across Inverclyde have donated more than £15,000 to local good causes since coronavirus lockdown began.

The Renfrewshire West province recently presented Ardgowan Hospice with a cheque for £1,500 - the latest in a series of kind-hearted gestures to help people in need.

The cash donation takes the total gifted by the province - in terms of cash donations, goods and services - to more than £15,000.

Robin McIntyre, provincial grand master for Renfrewshire West, presented the cheque to Ardgowan Hospice in memory of the care it has given members of the grand lodge over the years, and in recognition of the difficult times charities are currently facing.

Robin said: "We felt it was important, particularly at this time, to recognise the outstanding efforts of Ardgowan Hospice and its staff.

"The local lodges are deeply concerned that charities are struggling at the moment.

"Charity shops have been closed and fundraising opportunities have been limited, meaning that they are struggling to continue their excellent work.

"Freemasonry has been right at the heart of the local area for almost 300 years and donating to charity is an extremely important part of what we do.

"There will be more presentations to other worthy local organisations in the days to come."

Earlier in lockdown, Lodge Gourock 626 Firth of Clyde donated eight Android tablets to the hospice, and the province donated14 iPads across Inverclyde Royal, the Larkfield Unit and the Marcus Humphrey House Quarriers care home in Bridge of Weir.

The province has also donated money and supplies to Inverclyde Foodbank, and member David Bain took on a 115-mile virtual cycle for Marcus Humphrey House.