A dance school in Cumnock has been awarded hundreds of pounds by a local Masonic lodge.

The £200 from Lodge St John 334 New Cumnock will go towards PA Dance Academy's annual concert in 2024.

Lodge secretary David Bissell went along to visit the dance school and hand over the donation.

David said their organisation try to do as much as they can to support the community.

He said: "We raise money at all our meetings as the lodge and other Masonic lodges place a strong emphasis on charity and benevolence.

"We support local communities through donations and fundraising. We always look to give something at our meetings to benefit the community, which fosters a positive image of the lodge and Free Masonry as a whole.

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"We have donated to a lot of different charities in our time as a lodge and hope to continue this going forward.

"PA Dance Academy do so much for a lot of children, and they are getting taught dancing and musical theatre at all ages, where they can also work towards professional qualifications from Royal Academy of Dance.

"All donations help that go towards the annual concert in June 2024.

"This is a very important factor, as this can also build strong relationships with individuals and organisations outside the Masonic lodge, where this helps maintain the lodge’s legacy and reinforces its commitment to making a positive impact."