A Bradford Masonic lodge is helping pay for a security fence to shield a much-loved garden for the elderly from vandal attacks.

The Lodge of Eccleshill, Faith and Fraternity, based in Baildon, has given £2,800 for a fence at Calverlands Day Centre, in Horsforth, after hearing about the prized garden being vandalised.

Brian Lawless, a past master of the lodge, was made aware of the vandalism by his father who visits the centre twice a week.

"The centre has always prided itself on the beautifully maintained garden and wildlife pond area," said Mr Lawless. "It brings great pleasure to those who attend the day centre and the garden has won prizes for the best kept garden in the council area."

In May last year, vandals broke into the garden area and destroyed the fencing, plant and pond life.

Centre manager Tamsin Morris said: "We are hugely grateful to the Masons for funding this work and cannot thank them enough for the donation.

"The garden is an extremely important resource for the day centre users because many of them no longer have their own gardens and we use it a lot in the summer for outdoor activities."

Every year the centre adopts a theme for the garden - this year it was China.

"We have had a Buddha and displays of dragons," she said.

"A lot of work goes into maintaining the garden and it is reassuring to know it will be protected."

The Lodge set up a dedicated fund to raise money for the day centre and held various social events including ladies' nights.

"We raised £1,800 and that was supplemented by a grant from the central Masonic charitable fund in West Yorkshire - The Provincial Grand Master's Fund," explained Lodge almoner Donald Worsnop.

"This is one of the worthwhile causes that was identified by Lodge members and we were pleased to be able to support the day centre."

The Masonic Lodge last year donated money to the Wedgewood School in Holme Wood. The school for children with special educational needs purchased sensory equipment and toys for pupils.

"It is very satisfying for us to be able to help people in distress who will benefit from our personal giving," said Mr Worsnop.