AN exhibition is currently running in a small Borders village to highlight its role in providing sanctuary.

And it also hopes to raise awareness of the current plight of refugees from around the world.

Sanctuary in Stow celebrates the village's historic past as a place of sanctuary, as well as its continuing role providing refuge for its residents.

Following research carried out by Mary Craig, Stow's Community Archivist, there's an opportunity to learn more about the history of the village and its role as a sacred place of refuge since before Christianity.

Andrea Carlino from the Sanctuary in Stow exhibition told us: "Stow’s role as a sanctuary probably began with the spring that was later developed into the lady’s well and associated chapel,which, according to local legend,was built by King Arthur to honour the Virgin Mary after having won the battle of Guinnon.

"This continued throughout medieval times, with Stow acting as a place of refuge based around the church of St Mary of Wedale and hotly contested by the competing dioceses of York and St Andrews."

The exhibition, which opened in the Cloudhouse Cafe and Gallery last month, contains work by ten Scottish artists offering their own

exploration of the theme of sanctuary.

The exhibition also aims to raise awareness about the refugees plight and will distribute informative material by the Scottish Refugee Council.

And all donations will go towards the Scottish Refugee Council.

The Sanctuary in Stow exhibition will run until Thursday, September 28.