Freemasons have been "undeservedly stigmatised", the organisation leader has said, and will be running a series of open evenings to prove it is not a secret society.

The United Grand Lodge of England placed adverts in three national newspapers, including the Daily Telegraph, headlined "enough is enough", saying it is the victim of misrepresentation.

Chief executive Dr David Staples said he had written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission about concerns its 200,000-plus members are the victims of gross misrepresentation and discrimination.

He said: "At the United Grand Lodge of England, we value honesty, integrity and service to the community above all else. Last year we raised over £33 million for good causes.

"As an organisation we welcome individuals from all walks of life, of any race, faith, age, class or political persuasion."