BUDDING Borders broadcaster David Chipakupaku has been walking down the aisles with Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson as they attempt to brighten the future for libraries.

The duo were taking part in a high-profile panel show at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The 17-year-old from Hawick, who is part of the Voice of my Own youth project, chaired the debate on the future of libraries.

As well as best-selling author Julia, who has also written Room on the Broom and Paper Dolls, the panel included Pete White from Positive Prison, and Dr Jenny Peachey from the Carnegie Trust.

David praised his VOMO training in Galashiels for the opportunity to share the stage with the high-profile panel.

He told the Border Telegraph: “Hosting the panel on such a topical subject was incredibly interesting.

"My involvement with VOMO has certainly opened doors.

"I had the pleasure of interviewing James Naughtie at the Borders Book Festival in 2016 and Edith Bowman and Nina Nesbit through Young Scot.

"These have all been incredible steps leading up to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.”

The panel highlighted recent innovations which are being followed by libraries across the Borders.

Live Borders, who operate the region's libraries, have been integrating e-books and e-comics with the more traditional forms of reading that are on offer.

Lynne Irons, director of managed services at Live Borders said: “The panel's topic is one we at Live Borders are particularly interested in as we continue to develop what libraries can offer people in the Scottish Borders.

"We’ll be working to encourage people to find out more about what their library can do for them.

"Particularly those who haven’t visited a library for a while who will notice a considerable change in how their library has developed.”