THE Ockment Centre in Okehampton is one of numerous organisations across the county to receive part of £25,000 being donated by the Freemasons of Devon.

Every spring and autumn freemasons from all around Devon meet to support local organisations who are in need of financial assistance, among which are schools, scout groups, youth centres and locally based charities.

The money is raised through the WAKE Fund, a trust conceived by William Alexander Kneel, the Provincial Grand Master from 1970 to 1984, the late owner of Kneels laundry and dry cleaners (now Johnsons). Since the idea was initiated the fund has grown through the continued generosity of Devonshire Freemasons and wise investments.

Today it stands at £1.85-million from which the trustees distribute the income generated, currently over £40,000 each year.

Since the first disbursement in 2001 over £570,000 has been given to over 675 worthy non-masonic organisations and charities throughout Devon, selected by members of the 137 Masonic lodges based in the county.