Members of Lennox Lodge Freemasons of Richmond have been giving practical help as well as financial support to Richmond and Catterick Group Riding for the Disabled.

Eight members of the Lodge, as well as local window cleaner, Don Walls, banded together to refurbish the group’s shipping container.

With materials donated by builders’ merchant J T Atkinson and project-managed by builders and fabricators Jason Hammond, Gary Lisle and Jack Baldwin, volunteers from the Lodge were able to make the container and notice board waterproof and address the problem of condensation and the lack of ventilation in the container.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The team from Lennox Lodge who helped Riding for the Disabled group

Don Walls with his window cleaning water spray was able to prepare the roof for sealing with painted bitumen.

Charity steward of Lennox Lodge, Des McKenzie said: "We tend to donate money to smaller charities as we understand that this makes a big difference to these worthy causes. But our volunteers also provide practical help.

"With the cost-of-living today, members can donate their time, rather than money. There are always jobs to suit everyone, whatever their ability. For example, we would not expect all members to be able to go up ladders.

"We are delighted to refurbish this dedicated container that will benefit the Richmond & Catterick Group RDA."

Chairman of the RDA Group, David Summers said: "As a registered charity, the group depends entirely on the support of the local community. Refurbishment of the dedicated container was urgent and we are grateful that the members of Lennox Lodge stepped up to give their time and skills to make the container fit for purpose."