The Ottery St Mary Hospital League of Friends was one of 20 deserving causes to share donations totalling £19,000 from the Devon Freemasons.

Organisation members meet every spring and autumn to support schools, youth centres, health causes and other charities that need a financial boost.

The money is raised through the Wake Fund, a trust conceived by Right Worshipful Brother William Alexander Kneel, the late owner of laundry and dry cleaners company Kneels, which is now Johnsons.

Almost £700,000 has been handed out since 2001.

Making the contributions at a recent meeting Right Worshipful Brother Ian Kingsbury, the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Devonshire, said: “I am delighted that the Freemasons of Devon are able to continue to contribute to these important local causes many of which are totally run by volunteers and hopefully these donations will make a real difference to the lives of many people especially in this year when we are proud to be celebrating the Tercentenary of Freemasonry in England.”