Masons for Lodge Hopetoun St John, Linlithgow were joined by colleagues from Lodge Cameoon in a major fund-raising sponsored walk on Saturday. 

They organised a trek from the Falkirk Wheel to Linlithgow which was followed, in the evening, in The Bridge Inn by 'Stars in their eyes' session. 

The walk, which this year attracted some 70 participants...and five dogs.... is the third annual fundraiser organised by the Freemasons on behalf of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The Linlithgow Lodge adopted the charity after the sudden death of David Cochrane from Whitecross.  The young Mason died of a previously unsuspected heart condition. 

In the last two years over £10,000 has been raised for the charity and it is hoped, with even more participants this time round, a record amount will be brought in. 

Ray Newton, secretary of Lodge Hopetoun St John, said a cheque for £7,000 was presented to CRY in 2007 and he hoped that a similar or greater amount would be raised this year. 

Said Ray: "We had targeted 50 participants but we got 70 on the day which was great. 

"With even more people taking part this year, we should be able to beat last year's total of £7,000. 

"Special thanks went to Jackie Reekie and 'Dinger' for providing drinks and cooking the pub grub and to Mike's Taxis for providing transport to Falkirk. 

A second fund-raising event, a bowling tournament at Linlithgow Bowling Club, on Saturday, June 7, will be followed with an auction in the Bridge Inn that same evening. 

The Freemasons hope to present the latest bumper cheque on that occasion.