Keighley Salvation Army’s ongoing mission to supply basic necessities to needy local families has been aided by a donation from the Freemasons.

The charity has received a cheque for £1,000 from Royal Yorkshire Lodge Number 265, which is based in Cooke Street.

Money from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund has gone towards the provision of a newly installed £7,000 shipping container, which is being used to store the Salvation Army’s foodbank supplies.

Lodge members Chris Rushton and Leslie Allinson presented the cheque.

Keighley Salvation Army development manager, Chris Bown, said: “The lodge has been very kind and has already supported us in the past, so we’re very grateful to them.

“At the moment, we send out about 100 food parcels a week.

“Having somewhere we can store all the food in one place is fantastic because before it was spread all over the church.

“It was in every cupboard and corner!”

Mr Allinson said he and his colleagues appreciated being able to raise the profile of foodbanks, adding such facilities could never have too much support.

He said the new container meant the Salvation Army’s stock of food is now more readily accessible, and can be circulated to ensure the most perishable items are given away first.

Meanwhile, Keighley Salvation Army stages its first table-top sale of the year next week.

Wednesday’s event at the High Street church, from 10am, will feature new and used goods.

“Last year, the table-top sales raised well over £2,000, so they are a very good way of raising funds to support our community projects – such as the provision of food parcels and our hot meal service,” said Mrs Bown.

The church will also host its monthly informal Songs of Praise service at 2.30pm on February 2.

Keighley Community Band will take part, and refreshments will be served afterwards.

The services are on the first Sunday of the month.