THE charity Winkleigh Relief in Need is one of eight to be nominated for a potential £25,000 prize as part of freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations.

An online vote is being held to decide which local charities will receive up to £25,000 each as part of the celebrations. Freemasons have nominated eight good causes in Devon to potentially receive a share of the £3-million Community Awards Tercentenary Fund.

Winkleigh Relief in Need makes grants to individuals from the Winkleigh parish, mainly at Christmas time though small donations are also made during the year to individuals if found to be in distress.

All the nominated charities are guaranteed to receive a grant but the public vote will determine the amount from £4,000 up to £25,000.

The £3-million fund, marking the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717, is being administered by the Masonic Charitable Foundation and will be distributed to 300 charities across the country.

The freemasons are urging people to look at the full list and vote for one of the nominated charities by visiting mcf.org.uk/vote then visit the Devon page and vote for the charity of their choice.