SELKIRK youth project Rowland's has launched an urgent appeal for help.

The service has become part of the fabric of the community since it was established in the old shop on West Port nearly 10 years ago.

Over these years, hundreds of Selkirk young people have passed through its doors, used the facilities, received support and advice and grown in confidence as they developed into adulthood.

But, contrary to popular belief, Rowland’s is not run or funded by Scottish Borders Council.

It is an independent charity, run by local people, who give their time voluntarily to keep it running.

And it is now in need of your help.

David Bethune from Rowland's told the Border Telegraph: "Rowland’s costs around £60,000 per year to run.

"That covers running costs of the building, youth worker salaries and activities for the young people.

"Income to run Rowland’s is not automatic. It comes through the hard work of continually applying for grants to various funding bodies, and through generous regular donations from local supporters.

"We live from hand to mouth. Rowland’s excellent professional youth work staff, who support and lead the team of volunteers, rarely know more than one year ahead whether their jobs will still exist.

"For Rowland’s to continue for the next 10 years, we need the full support of people – the residents of Selkirk and surroundings."

Rowland's is looking for volunteers to join the hard-working team at the West Port centre.

And they would also welcome any new trustees onto the management group that run the service.

Mr Bethune added: "You could offer to be a volunteer, joining the team a couple of evenings per month, to be a friendly face for our young people.

"You would be supported by our professional staff and offered training if required.

"You could offer to join the management group as a trustee, bringing your skills and experience – the Board meets roughly once a month – to oversee the running of Rowland’s.

"We need all sorts of people – some with financial or personnel experience from business, some with practical skills to look after our buildings, and some with general life experience and a concern for our young people."

Rowland's is also appealing for financial help - to join the numerous backers who already donate either £5, £10 or £25 per month.

Forms can be downloaded from the youth project's website www.dbethune.com/rowlands

For further information on volunteering at Rowland's email project manager Susan Law at susan@rowlands-selkirk.org.uk

And to become a trustee email chairperson Graham Easton at graham@rowlands-selkirk.org.uk

An open invitation has also been made to anyone who would be interested in getting involved to attend the forthcoming AGM on Thursday, November 17 in Rowland's at 7pm.