THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated to help people in urgent need of help following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria reports the Thurrock Gazette.

Essex Freemasons is donating £60,000 to support survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The grant from Essex Freemasons and other Freemasons from across the country is going to the British Red Cross, UK for UNHCR and UNICEF, which is leading the relief effort on the ground.

The grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

The provincial grand master of Essex Freemasons, Paul Tarrant, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UNHCR with their relief effort following this terrible earthquake.

“People are in very urgent need of assistance and I’m proud that Freemasons are providing essential support to charities on the ground working with survivors.”