MORE than 200 people attended a ball in the Borders at the weekend to raise money for a fund set in memory of a sports-mad schoolboy who died while playing cricket near his home in Galashiels, aged nine.

And, organisers revealed it was such a success, it could now become an annual event.

The Rowan Boland Trust held its first Masquerade Ball - an event which the participants attend in costume wearing a mask - at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Saturday night. It included a ceilidh and music from local band Farenheit.

The money raised will help other youngsters in the area achieve their sporting goals.Rowan's dad, David Boland, one of the fund's founders, said: "It was an excellent night, I don't think we could have planned for better.

"We thought a ball would be a good idea but wanted to make it a bit different and fun." And he added: "It would be great if we could hold another one next year."

For more information on the Rowan Boland Trust or to make a donation log on to the following website - www.rowanbolandmemorialtrust.co.uk Photo: Brian Sutherland (www.flipphotography.co.uk)