AN arty idea to raise funds for a cash-strapped Peeblesshire youth group has racked up nearly £600.

The team at Tweeddale Youth Action (TYA) held an art auction and jumble sale at the Old Corn Exchange in Peebles a week last Saturday. 

The event was organised to help raise much-needed funds after a drop in annual grants. 

The event was hailed a success by locality manager Dave Hodson. He said: “Despite the weather, it was a brilliant turnout and we managed to raise an incredible total of £598.

“The art auction and jumble sale offered a phenomenal display of creative and interesting pieces, Lazy Man’s Burden played some sweet songs outside and the Food Punks team were rushed off their feet serving coffee and cakes. 

“The event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard-working team of staff, volunteers and young people, as well as the local businesses who generously donated to the tombola and catering: Traquair House, Kailzie Gardens, Cringletie House Hotel, The Tontine Hotel, Go Ape, Villeneuve Wine and Castle Warehouse. My thanks also go to Kitsche, Forsyth’s, House of Gaia, Tiger Lily, Head to Toe, The Gift Box, A Wee Treat, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

“Special thanks go to local artist and TYA Trustee Moira Stark for all her behind-the-scenes work and support as well as her hugely generous donation of art objects collected from around the world. Moira’s vision to share these beautiful objects with others as well as raising much needed funds for TYA was the driving force behind our event and we’re hugely grateful for her continued support.”

Tweeddale Youth Action’s local youth clubs in Peebles and Innerleithen offer diversionary activities and opportunities for local young people to socialise, have fun, learn new skills and become responsible members of the community. 

Over the past 18 years the group has helped hundreds of young people move forward, reducing anti-social and risk-taking behaviour as well as supporting young people with advice on sexual and mental health, drug and alcohol support, bullying and other issues. 

For more information visit www.tweeddaleyouth.co.uk