It is often shrouded in mystery but the inner workings of the 300-year-old Freemasons movement were revealed at a special one-off celebration.

Eastern Daily Press: Charities receiving donations from the Wroxham Freemasons. Picture: RICHARD PRYORCharities receiving donations from the Wroxham Freemasons. Picture: RICHARD PRYOR (Image: RICHARD PRYOR)

More than 100 people visited the Wroxham Masonic Centre as the Freemasons opened its doors to non-members explaining its various roles.

As well as dispelling popular myths, the event included charity donations totalling £5,500.

These included Home Start; the James Paget University Hospital stroke unit; Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind; Priscilla Bacon Lodge; Mattishall Scouts; Allstars Community Complex; Cromer Community and Hospital Friends;

Hoveton Wherrymen Football Club; and the Norfolk Family Mediation Service.

Wroxham Masonic Centre is the meeting place for 10 Freemasons groups, known as lodges.

Fred Bruce, Boileau Lodge member, said: 'We play our part in the local community.'