DONATIONS totalling almost £75,000 were given to charities across Wiltshire at a cheque presentation evening in Chippenham.

The Wiltshire Freemasons welcomed 16 charities to the Chippenham Masonic Hall where they donated £74,400 having raised it through local lodges and the Freemason’s Grand Charity last year.

Ian Priest, charity steward for Wiltshire, said: “In 2016 we hit on the slogan 'charity it's in a Freemasons DNA' and I think this evening has shown that to be true.

“Sixteen wonderful charities have shown us what they do and how they care; we in turn have applauded their efforts and hopefully made a contribution which will allow them to continue serving their local communities.”

Charities to benefit from the donations included SPLITZ Support Services (£36,500), Julia's House Children's Hospice in Devizes (£6,940), Wiltshire Air Ambulance (£6,630) and Swindon Prospect Hospice (£6,845),

Salisbury Hospice (£4,181), Dorothy House Hospice (£5,681), Teddies for Loving Care (£2,780), Naomi House Children’s Hospice (£1,000), Wiltshire Bobby Van (£625) and the SMASH Youth Project (£500) also received money.

As did Victim Support (£500), Lifelites (£500), League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital (£400), Hope Nature Centre (£550), Salisbury & South Wiltshire Headway (£500), and The John McNeill Opportunity Centre (£312).