It's 300 years since four lodges met to establish the world's first Grand Lodge for freemasons. Today there are more than 6.5 million around the world.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The freemasons are opening their doors to the public. Picture: Mike PardonThe freemasons are opening their doors to the public. Picture: Mike Pardon (Image: Mike Pardon)

To celebrate, six local lodges - Baring, Blakeney, Muleslai, Sheringham, Suffield and North Norfolk - are holding an open day to give the public an insight into the work they do at Sheringham Masonic Centre in Cromer Road - opposite Station Road car park - on Saturday, July 22, from 10am.

Attractions on the day include demonstrations at 11am and 2pm, live music, a slideshow and free refreshments, as well as the presentation of cheques to local charities supported by the freemasons throughout the year at 3pm.

Mike Pardon, from the Lodge in Sheringham, revealed it is a chance for the public to see behind the 'funny handshakes'. He added: 'Kindness has always been a core principle of Freemasonry. Anybody can come.'