ROLLED-up trouser legs and funny handshakes are what most people associate with Freemasons, but a campaign launched to remove some of the suspicion and misunderstanding surrounding the movement got off to a good start.

Richmond's Lennox Lodge, the oldest in Yorkshire, recently threw open its doors to the public for the first time - and about 150 people took the chance to see behind the scenes.

The open weekend, which was repeated at lodges across the country, gave Masons the chance to explain some of the ritual and regalia which has its origins in the medieval tradesmen's guilds.

"Suspicion is understandable," says Eddie Roberts, of Lennox Lodge. "If you go back far enough, the Masons would not be as mixed a group as they are now. It was rather elitist and that is where the misconception that all Masons are rich comes from."

Mr Roberts admits some information given to members must not be divulged, but this is a tiny proportion of the ceremony and ritual.

"The rituals and secrets are not all such a big secret nowadays - in fact, you can see everything on the internet, every single aspect of the ceremony."

The ceremony is based around the Biblical story of the building of Solomon's temple and members follow a progression through different levels based on stonemason's apprentices, craftsmen and masters. The length of this journey varies but at the 86-strong Lennox lodge it is around 17 years from apprentice to sitting in the master's chair.

Charity work is one of the movement's main thrusts. Over the last five years, Lennox Lodge has supported 14 local charities, ranging from Richmond's Friary hospital and Alzheimer's day care centre to Richmond School band, St Mary's church organ appeal and the YMCA anti drink and drug campaign.

Further public open days are planned for the future. "I hope lots of people will take the opportunity to see for themselves what we do," says Mr Roberts. "But anyone is welcome to contact us at any time if they are interested in finding out more, seeing inside the lodge or asking about membership."

Mr Roberts can be contacted on (01748) 822970.