THE Okehampton Battle of the Bands has received a welcome boost after organisers received a £1,000 donation from Devon Freemasons to help fund the 2011 event.

The music event was nominated for an award by the Lodge of Obedience meeting in Okehampton and was fortunate enough to be one of 23 Devon-based organisations and charities who benefitted from the Provincial Grand Lodge's latest allocation of funding.

The money came from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment (WAKE) Fund. WAKE is a charitable fund accumulated from legacies and donations from Devonshire Freemasons and their families. Each year approximately £50,000 is distributed among local charities and organisations. The programme was started in 2001 and has donated over £330,000 to local causes since its inception.

Chris Hodgson, one of the organisers of the Battle of the Bands, said: 'The Okehampton Battle of the Bands is growing in size and stature, attracting interest from all over Devon.

'The event is about promoting music and providing opportunity for musicians but it is also about community and bringing people together.

'It is fantastic that local organisations like the Freemasons can see the benefit in what we are doing and we are really grateful to The Lodge of Obedience and to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire for the support that they have given us.'

The donation was presented by the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, Right Worshipful Brother Michael Penny.

He said: 'I am delighted that the Freemasons in Devon are able to contribute to local causes.

'Many of these organisations are run by volunteers and on a limited budget, these donations provide real benefit and are much appreciated.'

For more information on Freemasonry in Okehampton, visit http://www.okehamptonmasons.co.uk">www.okehamptonmasons.co.uk

For further information on the Battle of the Bands, visit http://www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.co.uk">www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.co.uk