Wiltshire Freemasons have boosted the funds of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust by presenting a £500 cheque.

Members of the Lodge of Loyalty in Marlborough raised £250 at their February meeting. Francis Wakem, the provincial grand master of Wiltshire, readily agreed to match the sum with a donation from Provincial funds.

Arthur Bierschenk, worshipful master of the lodge, said: “Members of the Lodge of Loyalty have long known of the value of the work of the Bobby Van Trust.

“The lodge felt it was time to make another donation to help support their work protecting the home security of elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Wiltshire. I had no idea the provincial grand master had it in mind to match the sum we raised.”

Phillip Bullock, on behalf of the Province of Wiltshire, said: “The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust is a remarkable charity and well worthy of support. The Wiltshire trust was the first of its kind to be established in England.”