A GENEROUS donation will help the less fortunate over the festive period.

Hexham Freemasons have donated £500 to the West Northumberland Foodbank to ensure their essential work can continue over Christmas and into the New Year.

The West Northumberland Foodbank covers a vast area - from Prudhoe, across the Cumbrian Border and through to Kielder and Bellingham - and has been experiencing a surge in demand as as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, a cheque has been presented to the food bank by Hexham Freemason Colin Reader, with an additional £200 from Hexham Priory Lodge and a further £300 from Graham Reader Tyres in the town.

Colin said: "The food bank does a tremendous job, and everyone associated with Hexham Freemasons appreciates the work they do for our community.”