People across Watford are being encouraged to help give their favourite charity some extra “much-needed” cash.

Eight causes across the county have been picked to get a share of £80,000 from the United Grand Lodge, as part of English Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations.

An online poll has been set up for people to choose how much each charity will be rewarded – with the amount ranging from £4,000 to £25,000.

A spokesman from the Masonic Province of Hertfordshire said: “The United Grand Lodge wants to encourage as many members of the public to participate in the voting as possible.

“The more votes each charity gets, from both Masons and non-Masons, the bigger the slice of the award it could receive.”

The charities which have been chosen include:

- St Albans Sea Cadets.

- Willow Foundation.

- Canine Partners.

- The Brainwave Centre Ltd.

- The Ware(Skillman) Charity.

- Road Victims Trust.

- New Hope.

- Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled.

To vote, visit mcf.org.uk/vote and select the Hertfordshire page.

All nominated charities are guaranteed to receive a grant, but the public vote will determine the amount.

The closing date for nominations is July 31.