Hertfordshire Freemasons boost Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme for young people with disabilities and special needs

Hertfordshire Freemasons have donated £25,000 so disabled young people in the county can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Prince Philip, who died in April, founded the youth awards programme in 1956 and was himself a Freemason after he was introduced to the brotherhood in 1952 by his father-in-law King George VI.

The new funding from Hertfordshire Freemasons will add to the £300,000 strategic partnership between the United Grand Lodge of England and the Masonic Charitable Foundation with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

An estimated 30,000 young people with disabilities and special educational needs will now be able to take part in the scheme.

Paul Gower, head of Hertfordshire Freemasons, said: "Our new partnership means young people with disabilities and special educational needs will be able to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.

"This donation is a tangible way for Freemasons in Hertfordshire to express our respect and gratitude for all that HRH The Duke of Edinburgh accomplished during his long life."