THEY have been fundraising for more than four years and have raised over �45,000 for charity.

Last year they were short listed for an award by the Firefighters' Charity at their annual Spirit of Fire Awards for their efforts.

Now the Borders Barmy Army - a group of friends who, by their own admission, "do daft and difficult challenges for charity" wearing their kilts - have announced details of a new series of fundraisers for the year ahead.

Richard Minnikin, Lee Myers, Steve Mellor and Kevin Traill have announced they plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity! They also plan to take part in the fourth sponsored pantomime horse race at Kelso Races, The Edinburgh Marathon, Great North Run and Tough Mudder Scotland.

Other charities to benefit include the Rowan Boland Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and The Friends of Borders General Hospital.

Congratulating the Borders Barmy Army on their achievements so far, local MP Michael Moore said: "It was great to meet the BBA and congratulate them on all their fantastic fundraising efforts over the past few years. They have a busy year ahead of them as they take on the Edinburgh Marathon, a sky dive and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. I was pleased to be able to wish them all the best as they get going on this major fundraising drive.

"I want to encourage people to get in touch with the BBA if they'd like to hear more about what they do and support them in any way."