HAMPSHIRE sailing charity the Jubilee Sailing Trust is celebrating after being given a £20,000 cash boost.

Members of the Freemasons sailed into the PSP Southampton boat Show to present the Woolston-based charity with the cheque.

The money will be put towards a £275,000 refit of the trust’s 140ft tallship Lord Nelson, one of the stars of this year’s boat show.

Brian Bellinger, Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasonry, said: “One area of support is for vulnerable people and so we are pleased to make this grant of £20,000 to the Jubilee Sailing Trust to contribute towards the refit of the Lord Nelson and to assist the trust in its outstanding work which reflects and supports our nation’s maritime heritage.”

JST fundraising manager Sarah Staines said: “A donation of this size is a huge help and we are extremely grateful.

“The £20,000 that the freemasons have given us will help to ensure that Lord Nelson can continue to sail for the next 20 years.”

The donation from the Freemasons will contribute towards replacing decking, main generators and lifts and refitting the accommodation.