WELCOME support has been given to aid breast cancer relief work in the North-East.

Cheques totalling £600 were presented to Durham's Mayor, Councillor Jeff Lodge, by the city's Freemasons to support his chosen charity, Breast Cancer Relief.

Coun Lodge and his Mayoress, Joyce McKenna, were guests of honour at a Christmas social evening staged by the Elvet Lodge, at the Masonic Hall, in Old Elvet, Durham.

During the evening, the Mayor received a cheque for £100 from Mrs Denise Howe, the wife of lodge secretary Joe Howe.

The money was raised during a recent fun and Christmas shopping evening, featuring an Egyptian belly dancer.

A second cheque, for £500, was presented by Roland Cubello, the Elvet Lodge's worshipful master.

The sum was donated by the lodge brethren as part of the Freemasons in the Community challenge issued by the Provincial Grand Master, Derek Richmond.

All money raised is being donated to support breast cancer relief work being performed at hospitals in Durham and Newcastle.