Dream-A-Way charity was presented with a cheque at Exmouth Masonic Hall

A charity which gives free holidays to the disabled and seriously ill people is celebrating receiving a cash windfall thanks to the Devonshire Freemasons.

The Dream-A-Way charity was presented with £1,250 at the Exmouth Masonic Hall, which was handed to the charity’s chairman Jeff Merrett by the provincial grand master of Devonshire, right worshipful brother Ian Kingsbury.

Dream-A-Way chairman Jeff Merrett MBE said: “We are delighted that Devonshire Freemasons have chosen to award us such a significant sum which will really help our work. Our sincere thanks to all involved.”

Mr Kingsbury said: “I am delighted that the Freemasons in Devon are able to contribute to local causes. Many of these organisations are run on a shoestring by volunteers and these donations provide real benefit and are much appreciated.”

Most of the organisations receiving a donation were nominated by a local masonic lodge – usually where a member has a connection with the organisation.

In this case, the sponsoring mason was W.Bro Ken Springthorpe of The Sun Lodge No 106.

The donations came from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment (WAKE) Fund, which is currently worth approximately £1.5million.

The charitable fund is accumulated by legacies and donations from Devonshire Freemasons and their families.

Each year around £40,000 is distributed amongst local charities and organisations in Devon.

Since it began in 2001, more than £450,000 has been donated to almost 450 beneficiaries.

Dream-A-Way’s holiday destinations are located across Devon, Cornwall and the Scilly Isles, including caravans at Exmouth’s Devon Cliffs Holiday Park.