Children and animals will benefit from the proceeds of a black-tie dinner held by north Norfolk free masons in honour of their wives.

Baring Lodge, which meets in Sheringham and has about 70 members, staged its annual ladies' night in February at the Northepps Cottage Country Hotel.

And Bill Hannant, lodge master at the time, has just presented cheques for �450 apiece to two local causes - Roughton Playgroup and the Hillside Animal and Shirehorse Sanctuary at West Runton - which were chosen to benefit from the event.

Anne Vincent, sanctuary manager, said they were completely reliant on donations and the cash would go towards buying food to help care for nearly 400 rescued animals at West Runton, including shirehorses, cows, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, deer and rabbits. The organisation also cares for a further 600 animals at its sister site in Frettenham.

Jane James, a Roughton Playgroup assistant, said they would use the money to develop and equip more outdoor play space for the children.

The group meets in the grounds of Roughton Primary School and currently cares for 19 children. One of Mr Hannant's grandchildren has recently left the playgroup and another is about to join.

? Hillside at West Runton is open six days a week in June, July and August, closed Saturdays.