A LOCAL accountancy firm has been brushing up on its colouring skills.

Staff from Selkirk company, Stark Main, pulled on their overalls last week to help out at the award-winning charity, Stable Life.

During their day at Dryden, the accountants, managers and office staff painted a total of ten stables

Stark Main director Ian Main told us: “The team normally have a summer activity and we were looking to do something to raise funds for a local cause.

"We sponsored a race at the Rig, which was in aid of Stable Life, and when the team decided they wanted to take a different approach to supporting a charity, they were very clear they didn’t want to do something which required them to ask friends and family for sponsorship to raise funds."

Stable Life, which is based just outside the village of Ashkirk at Dryden Stables, helps youngsters in difficulty to realise their potential.

As well working with the charity's horses, the teenagers take part in group sessions and one-to-one meetings with staff.

Dozens of young people are referred to the charity every year from across Scottish Borders.

And the success stories which ride out from Stable Life each year have inspired many.

Stark Main manager Jayne Rogerson told us: “We approached Stable Life as we had heard of the amazing work they were doing to provide a safe, nurturing and learning experience using the horse and its environment.

"We were so impressed with the way they work with young people, and we also found their supporting team are inspirational."

Since moving to Dryden, Stable Life has more than doubled in size.

And operations manager Nicola Glendinning admitted the charity wouldn't be where it already is without the support of local companies. She said: "We are a small staff team and as a charity we rely very much on local support.

"The kindness and support shown to from the community and volunteers means so much to us and the team from Stark Main were great fun, they worked really hard and managed to paint ten stables which now look so good, we are very grateful to them for all their hard work.

"These are the type of things we just don’t have time to do as we need to spend as much time as we can helping the people who are referred to us.”