ALMOST £2million has been spent on charitable causes in Essex thanks to a Freemasons group.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation, representing Freemasons across England and Wales, gave grants in excess of £33million over the last year.

The figure, which does not include the £1million donated every 12 months by Essex Freemasons in support of hundreds of causes, makes the foundation one of the biggest grant-making organisations in the world.

Rodney Bass, Provincial Grand Master for Essex, said: “This huge amount of money shows the positive impact that Freemasons have on the local community.

“Nearly £700,000 of that figure from the foundation was spent in Essex last year.

"When added to the many donations from all of our Lodges, local charities and other organisations have benefitted from almost £2 million in 2016.

“I am heartened when I see the great good that Essex masons provide across the county, making a real difference, particularly with those smaller charities that struggle to survive."

Essex Freemasons donate to charities which support a range of causes, including the homeless, hospices, air ambulance, hospitals, schools and organisations helping those with learning difficulties.

In the next 12 months Essex masons will be working closely with the Masonic Charitable Foundation to help distribute a further £3million of funding.

The money has has been set aside to help celebrate 300 years of Freemasonry.

Several charities have already been nominated for grants of between £4,000 up to £25,000, with the cash set to be distributed in 2017.