TOURISM bosses are hoping the Borders Railway will help boost crowds at next month's Melrose Sevens.

The 134th tournament takes place on April 8 and will see 20 teams compete from around the country.

Cathy Craig, ScotRail Alliance commercial director said: "It’s great that Borders Railway can help rugby fans travel to watch the Melrose Sevens and I hope we’ll be welcoming many more of them this year.

"The new line grows in popularity and every single day it’s enabling people to commute, visit family and friends and travel to the likes of the Melrose Sevens. "

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland added: "The re-establishment of the railway line from Edinburgh through Midlothian to the Scottish Borders has had a massive impact on the local economy."