CROSSROADS Care was extra cheerful this Christmas after receiving a cheque for £1,000 from the Freemasons.

The charity, which helps 750 people with care needs and their carers all year across the Forest, was presented the cheque by Steve Foster on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Gloucestershire.

He said: “Our members are impressed with the work of the Crossroads team, particularly for the support and respite they provide to carers.”

Chief executive of Crossroads Palliative Care, Pam Graham said: “We are very grateful to the Freemasons for this annual donation.

“Our dedicated and caring staff work 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. This December we will provide care to more than 100 local families in the Forest.

“We look after those with the most pressing care needs and we are proud to provide this vital service to the Forest community. We are so pleased that the Freemasons share our vision and value the work of Crossroads Care in supporting the community.

“It is always a challenge to find the funds to cover our charitable work and we are very grateful to all those in our community who help us meet our costs each year with their donations.”

Crossroads also provide an Active Living programme for those with dementia, as well as a weekly skills clubs for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders in the Forest of Dean.