"Freemasonry is a way of living. Its members are expected to be thoughtful to others, kind in the community, honest in their dealings, courteous in society and fair in all things. These attributes are instilled in Masons throughout their Masonic careers.

Great emphasis is placed on charity - concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. Large sums of money are raised by East Lancashire Masons, and distributed to charities throughout the Province."

Freemasons come from all walks of life. From the Royal Family, from the professions, from business, from trade and from the shop floor, and each is a "brother" to everyone else.

And it is not the prerogative of the rich - it costs far less to be a Mason than to be a member of the local golf club. Freemasonry does not have a restricted or closed membership but is available to all men of good character.

The popular image of Masons meeting with trouser legs rolled up, whilst amusing, is not, of course, true. It is based on the fact that a new member taking an obligation as to his conduct does so in the historic and traditional manner - "on bare and bended knee".

Whilst membership under the Grand Lodge of England is restricted to men, there are other Masonic organisations, which admit only ladies.