Freemasons in Bournemouth, Christchurch and the New Forest have collected thousands of toys for needy children this Christmas.

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Anne Filer visited Freemasons’ Hall in Knole Road to see the presents and to present cheques totalling £900 to a number of charities that the Freemasons had been collecting for.

They were the Salvation Army, Hope 4 Food, the Dorset Children’s Foundation and the Mayor’s charity, Macmillan Caring Locally.

The toys will be distributed by various charities to those youngsters who are disadvantaged and might not receive any presents.

The Mayor said: “I’m completely blown away by the boxes and boxes of toys for children.

“And they are of an amazing quality – any child would be happy to receive them.

“They will give children a happy Christmas and I’d like to express my sincere thanks.

“The mayoralty has changed from lots of dinners and formal events to doing things like this and helping people get what they need.”

Chris Lockwood who heads the Freemasons in Bournemouth, Christchurch and the New Forest said: “It was great to have the mayor visit us and see some of what we do.

“Our members support national charities but also spend a lot of time raising money and helping local charities and good causes in our communities.

“There were around 3,000 toys collected which will go to children who otherwise might have nothing to open at Christmas.

“We also had 500 soft toys that were crocheted by a member’s wife and they are unique and will be distributed.

“It was also great to be able to ask the mayor to present some cheques on our behalf. We don’t ask for donations from the public so the money all comes from our members.”