THE FREEMASONS of Berkshire have thrown their weight behind a campaign to give gifts to the less fortunate children of Reading for a second year in a row.

The Toys and Teens appeal is a campaign run by Reading Family Aid that aims to fill the stockings and of those less economically stable across the town.

Last year they helped 1,500 young people have a very merry Christmas, and this year, with the help of Berkshire’s 96 Freemason lodges, they are hoping to do even better.

Brother Mark Heppelthwaite, provincial grand director of ceremonies, spurned the 3,000 Berkshire based Freemasons into action after hearing about the appeal.

“Last year we asked all of our lodges if they could donate money to spend on Christmas presents for under privileged children,” he explained.

“We raised more than £2,000 which we spent on specific gifts Reading Family Aid told us 30 children had requested.

“Thanks to Toys “R” Us who gave us a discount, we were able to buy hundreds of presents.”

Mr Heppelthwaite went to the shop with his son, who offered to donate some of his own toys to the cause, and bought a huge range of items, including games, teddies, a boxing bag and a scooter.

One of the requested items hit a particular nerve for the Freemason.

“One child requested a hairbrush,” Mr Hepplethwaite said.

“It really hit home. When you see someone is requesting something like that, it really makes you wonder what is going on.”

This year the Freemasons are Berkshire are mobilising again and hope to beat last year’s total.