STOURBRIDGE Freemasons threw open the doors to their lodge for the first time in recent history to lift the lid on what's long been considered a secret society .

Members of the fraternal organisation, one of the oldest of its kind in the country, opened up their Stourbridge Lodge room at the Talbot Hotel in the High Street on Saturday September 13 as part of English Heritage Week.

Alan Payne, chairman of the Stourbridge Masonic Management Co, said the open event - a first for the group in recent times - was organised to help bring Freemasonry out from the shadows in a bid to recruit new members.

He said: "It went very well. We had at least 40 visitors including people who were in town visiting from France, Australia and the USA and we had around eight interested people who will probably join and two ladies interested in joining the ladies section.

"I think we did dispel quite a few myths which was part of our intention.

"In fact it was so successful we're thinking of running it again next year."

Freemasonry became organised in 1717 but dates back long before and the Stourbridge Lodge, which opened in 1733, is thought to be one of the oldest in the country.

Mr Payne said the organisation is believed to be the second highest donor to charity in the UK after the National Lottery and its aim is to "promote good moral behaviour not only towards fellow members but towards the world in general”.

He said members "do not need to be rich and powerful" and Freemasonry is strictly apolitical and favours no particular religion, although members are required to believe in a Supreme Being.

The organisation is open to men over 21 as long as they are of good character and have no criminal record; women can join the Lady Masons organisation.

For more information about Freemasonry visit website http://www.ugle.org.uk/