A SECRET society is throwing open its doors so members of the public can glimpse the age-old mysteries of their organisation.

The Masonic Hall, on Hope Street, normally serves as a meeting place for groups of Freemasons, called lodges, to hold ceremonies, dine and socialise.

The organisation is renowned for private rituals, but Sam Robinson, who meets at the hall regularly, said Freemasonry was opening up and bringing itself into the 21st century.

He told the Daily Post: “We held an open day last year and gave people tours of the building. A lot of people thought they weren’t allowed in a hall, but they came and saw what we had to offer.”

The Grade II listed building, described as “a hidden gem” by Mr Robinson, contains dozens of rooms of various sizes. Some, such as the Egyptian Room, are decorated with fascinating symbols.

Mr Robinson said the image of Freemasonry as being about funny handshakes and cosy business deals was something the organisation was keen to shake off.

The building also contains a library, and a fully functioning Victorian lift that once carried Hollywood Legend Humphrey Bogart when he visited the lodge.