A LIFELINE children's charity has been given cash boost to the tune of £3,000 from Inverclyde freemasons. 

Children in Poverty Inverclyde received £2,000 from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West, and £1,000 from its daughter lodge Greenock Kilwinning No.X11. 

The charity's founder Pat Burke thanked the freemasons for choosing the support the organisation. 

Pat added: "We are indebted to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West for our nomination as beneficiary of their generous donation of £2,000. 

"Similarly, grateful thanks to lodge Greenock Kilwinning No.X11 for their kind donation of £1000.

"The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West has contributed thousands of pounds to us since our foundation in 2014, which is of great merit as hundreds of local children and families experiencing hard times benefit greatly.

"Our trustees are grateful for their sustained engagement, and commend members for the implementation of their charitable ethos across the whole community with such exemplary financial support."

Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West grand master John Black, and grand secretary Jim Porter presented the cheque for £2,000. 

John said: "We hold an annual ball in May and collect money for charity on the night. 

"This year, we asked our members where they felt the money should go and they voted overwhelmingly for Children in Poverty. 

"Helping local organisations out the best we can is very important for us as a province."

Jim Livingstone from Greenock Kilwinning No. XII from donated a separate £1,000 which was collected at the lodge's Burns Supper. 

The lodge also donated £1000 to Ardgowan Hospice, and £500 to Tommy's charity. 

Jim said: "The generosity of our members is always very welcome."