A LOCAL window cleaner has volunteered his time to help with the 'pane-staking' clean-up in Galashiels.

Energise Galashiels is working to regenerate the town centre.

And many of its members listed the growing grime around many empty stores in the town centre as a major eye-sore.

Last week, with the help of local window cleaner Rob Gibson, they began a major shop frontage clean-up.

Many landlords of the vacant units have now agreed to organise displays in the windows to further improve the look of the town.

Mike Gray, chair of Energise Galashiels Trust, told the Border Telegraph: “One of our aims at Energise Galashiels Trust is to create a more vibrant, welcoming community.

"To achieve this we work with a variety of partners and volunteers on a range of projects.

"We were thrilled when Rob Gibson agreed to help our efforts by cleaning the windows of some of the town’s vacant retail premises - the difference is remarkable."

Mike admits several landlords weren't so forthcoming with offers of help.

But the Trust still carried out the clean-up irrespective of support from the owners.

And members are now fundraising to continue cleaning the empty shops.

He added: "Our volunteers have subsequently started a campaign to rise funds to enable us to carry out the work on a more regular basis.

"It was agreed that something as simple as cleaning a window made such a difference."

The Trust also hopes to tackle illegal fly-posting on the empty frontages.