THE Monmouthshire Freemasons are set to donate more than £120,000 this week to charities across Gwent.

As part of celebrations to mark the 300th anniversary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge, the Monmouthshire Freemasons will be donating an eye-watering £121,000 to various charities this Friday.

The total sum of money was raised through the allotment of various funds, including £28,000 from masonic lodges across Gwent and £50,000 being handed over by the Masonic Charitable Foundation in London.

The Argus previously reported that charities - such as Sparkle Appeal, The Newport and Gwent Samaritans and Cyfannol Women’s Aid - would be awarded a share of the £50,000 sum this Friday.

Richard Davies, the provincial grand master for Monmouthshire Freemasons, said he is “delighted” with the raised sum of money.

He said: “In celebration of our 300 years we are delighted to be awarding £121,000 to charities across the area.

“The money will be given to the named charities this Friday at the Masonic Lodge in Newport. It's an event that we will all enjoy.

“I am sure it will help a lot of people in the surrounding areas.”

Other charities which are set to receive money this week include the Scouts, Dreams and Wishes and St Johns Ambulance in Cwmbran which will get £1,000, £500 and £4,000 respectively.

Chepstow and District Mencap Group, who works with people with a learning disability, was one of those which will be awarded money. Chairwoman of the Chepstow and District group, Sue Nicholson, said she was “thrilled” with the donation.

She said: “The Chepstow and District Mencap Group will be getting £15,000 on Friday at the Masonic Lodge.

“When we were told we’d be receiving a donation from the Monmouthshire Freemasons we had no idea that it would be £15,000.

“It’s a substantial sum of money when you think of it. We are thrilled to bits to be getting this money.”

Ms Nicholson said that the group plans to use the money to “update itself”.

She said: “Because of this grateful thought we will be replacing all of our furniture.

“The chairs and tables will go and we will be able to have brand new ones for all of the community to enjoy.”

She added: “We are over the moon by the news.”

Charities which are set to receive donations will do so this Friday in Newport.