CROWDS gathered outside the Burgh Chambers last night (Friday) eagerly waiting to catch the first glimpse of this year's Braw Lad and Lass.

And welcomed onto the balcony by an eruption of cheers and applause were Mark Hood and Alex Mundell - ready to kick of the summer festivities.

For 19-year-old Alex, being appointed Braw Lass "is a dream come true."

She said: "I'm absolutely delighted. I cannot wait for Braw Lad's Week, I've rode it since I was tiny - I was the youngest rider on Braw Lad's Day in 2003 - and to ride it as Braw Lass will be a dream come true.

"But the whole summer will be amazing I'm really looking forward to it."

Alex is currently studying Pharmacy in Glasgow with the hope of getting a job in the Borders when she graduates. She attended Caddonfoot Primary as a child before going to Mary Erskine's in Edinburgh.

Braw Lad Mark, also 19, attended Glendinning Terrace Primary and Gala Academy before securing a job at the Pensions Agency.

And he too has been a devoted follower and rider of the Common Ridings since he was little.

"This will be my 12th year riding the Gala Day, I followed Sandy Blacklock as my first Braw Lad in 2004 when I was seven.

"I'm really looking forward to Braw Lad's Week - it's a great honour and it will be the highlight of my life, not just the summer.

"But I'm looking forward to all the Common Ridings and supporting all the other principals too."

The Braw-pair appeared over the moon as they posed for pictures with members of the public who came from all angles to shake their hands and congratulate them - it probably hasn't even sunk in for them yet.

Mark and Alex will be spending a lot of time together over the next few months as they carry out their duties and represent their town.

"I've known Alex all my life," said Mark. "So I'm really glad it's someone I know and get on really well with."

Both have been walking around tight lipped about their appointment for months and breathed a sigh of relief last night when the secret was finally out.

"It's so tricky to keep it a secret, especially when all your friends are asking you and you have to lie, you feel so bad!" Joked Alex. "It's great now that everyone finally knows."

This year’s Attendants are Bearer of the Sod Ex-Braw Lad Cameron Pate; Bearer of the Red Roses Ex-Braw Lass Abbie Frankland; Bearer of the Stone Ex-Braw Lad Gavin Young and Bearer of the White Roses Ex-Braw Lass Alice Mackay.

After a rendition of Braw Braw Lads, the principals danced the Dashin White Segeant with the attending primary school pupils, before heading off to the Volunteer Hall to celebrate the start of the summer at the Declaration Night Dance.

From everyone at the Border Telegraph - best of luck to Mark and Alex! Hip Hip Hooray!