A GRAND Knight of the Order of St Columba has lifted the lid on the Roman Catholic organisation's not-so-secretive work.

Michael Walker-Bambury, 69, says he is keen to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the order and what it does.

The former engineer explained that the order, founded in 1919, is a brotherhood that contributes to charitable work and supports its fellow members.

Mr Walker-Bambury, of Field Barn Drive, Weymouth, is the Grand Knight of the Portsmouth province of the order, including the South West and South Wales.

He is also the registrar of the Portsmouth province of the Catenian association, another Roman Catholic organisation with a similar remit to the knights.

He said: "The Knights of St Columba are well-known throughout the world by different names.

"We are basically a fraternal organisation of Catholics, who are of good standing, and who wish to contribute where we can to various charities."

Mr Walker-Bambury said this work included raising money to send people abroad to study and on pilgrimages to Lourdes among other things.

He added that the organisation remained a fraternal one but that the group ran ladies' nights for wives and girlfriends of the knights.

He also said that anyone wishing to help the knights with their work was welcome to contact him.

He said: "I've had people phone me up and ask what it's about. When I say it's a Roman Catholic organisation and they reply: Well, that's not me' I say in response not to hang up because it's a Christian thing first and foremost."

There are around 19 members of the Portsmouth province of the Knights of St Columba, including Mr Walker-Bambury, who is keen to point out that the members' ages range from 16 to 99.

The knights recently attended the funeral of fellow knight Tom Peaceful Carmel, 96, in their full regalia.

Anyone wishing to know more about the order and what it does can contact Mr Walker-Bambury on 01305 779140.