HEREFORDSHIRE'S Freemasons have handed over thousands of pounds to a county hospice.

Five thousand pounds has been given to St Michael's Hospice in Bartestree by the Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, and former Chaplain at the hospice, The Reverend David Bowen, and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Michael Roff.

The money was handed to Ruth Denison, director of income generation at the hospice.

Paddy Nugent, community fundraising manager at St Michael's, said: "St Michael's Hospice is eternally grateful for the support from the Masons, which goes back to 1984. We really appreciate their continued commitment and would like to thank all involved for their continued support."

The money will be used for the fitting out of one of the bedrooms in the hospice's new building.

It follows a donation of £500 made by members of the oldest Lodge in Herefordshire, Palladian Lodge.

One of its members, Colin Tudor, has been receiving out-patient care at St Michael's and wished to thank staff for all they had done for him and many others.