MEMBERS of Masonic Lodges in Stirlingshire worked in tandem to raise thousands of pounds for Prostate Scotland.

Headed by a two-man team on a yellow tandem and backed up by cyclists of varying abilities, the volunteers visited the premises of 23 lodges in a 100-mile cycle. The lodges visited included Loch Lomond and Balfron in the West, seven in Clackmannanshire, four in the Stirling area and the remainder around the Falkirk area.

Despite terrible weather conditions there was elation when the cyclists safely arrived at their final stop at the premises of Lodge Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No. 312, where Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No. 76 also meet.

Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire, Alistair Marshall said: "This was a super achievement by members of lodges across the province and even some non-masons took part. They started in torrential rain on Saturday and as soon as they finished on Sunday afternoon the sun came out. Fortunately Adam and I only had to pose for a picture with the tandem."

Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland, said: "This is a very humbling experience and we are very grateful to all the lodges who took part this year. We are also receiving tremendous support from fellow masons the length and breadth of Scotland and events like this raise the profile not only of our charity but of prostate-related illnesses which for too long were not discussed."

Two years ago a similar two-day cycling challenge was boosted by other fundraising events held in several Stirlingshire lodges and raised over £16,000.

Next month the cyclists will take part in a degree ceremony in Denny on November 11 to conclude the fundraising and they hope to exceed the previous total.