By SARAH HARKER

WARRINGTON'S Freemasons are opening their doors to the public this weekend in a bid to dispel the popular myths about the society.

The town's Mayor Clr Sheila Woodyatt will attend the open day at the Masonic Hall in Winmarleigh Street on Saturday, at 11am until 3pm for a guided tour of the Lodge.

Highlights of the tour will include a lodge room set out for a ceremony with Freemasons wearing their regalia.

Warrington has a long association with Freemasonry since it was here that the first man was made a Mason in 1646.

Ray Baines, chairman of the Warrington and district group of Masonic Lodges said:

"We hope that people will come along and find out the truth about Freemasonry, as opposed to all the rumours and innuendo so often peddled by uninformed people.

"If anyone has ever wondered what Freemasonry is all about, now is the time to come along and find out."

During the tour the Masons will give an explanation of the 'three great moral virtues' of Freemasonry - faith, hope and charity.

Mr Baines added: "We hope that by organising this open day we will go some way towards dispelling the impression that Freemasonry is a 'secret society'."