THE freemasons of Severn Lodge have joined the Vernon and Chaddesley Corbett masonic lodges by raising £200 for the Back on Track appeal.

Mervyn Silcox, charity steward at the Stourport lodge, said the money had been raised by donations at a special meeting.

He added: "We like to give money to the local community and we always support local causes. We thought the youth of Wyre Forest needed some help."

Mr Silcox said charity was one of the most important elements of freemasonry and his lodge supported many Wyre Forest groups.

He explained that being a freemason was similar to joining the Rotary Club and provided a social pastime as well as the opportunity to benefit people in need.

He added: "Sports clubs are vital for young people but getting people to organise and run them can prove difficult.

"At the hockey and athletics clubs there are people who have that kind of commitment."