A CHARITY which helps people with cleft lip and palate has received a donation of more than £1,000 from the Freemasons.

The group gave £1,200 to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) at a cheque presentation.

CLAPA is the only national charity dedicated to those affected by the birth defect.

The East Sussex Masters Lodge, based in Battle, gave a cheque for £600, which was match funded by the Sussex Masonic Charities Committee.

Collecting the cheque from Freemasons Trever Newman and Peter Baker was Sussex CLAPA representative Cretia Edwards and her son Jacob, 13, who has a cleft lip and palate, and her daughter Kayleigh,ten.

The money will go towards funding the organising of family events in Sussex to provide an opportunity for families affected by cleft to meet each other and share experiences.