BORDERS Council has bolstered this year's Mission Christmas appeal with almost £15,000.

The local authority conducted a fundraising drive during the opening celebrations of the Borders Railway in the summer.

And after adding up all the collection tins they handed over a cheque to the Cash for Kids charity last week.

Candy Rafferty from Cash for Kids told us: “This is the largest ever single donation made to Radio Borders Cash for Kids since it was founded and its significance cannot be underestimated.

“Suddenly, this year we saw a three-fold rise in applications made to us from an average of £9,000 to over £28,000 a quarter. No-one understands more about the problems of low employment and low wages in rural areas than the Council.

“We appreciate the massive efforts of everyone involved with this initiative and on behalf of the many hundreds of our local children this huge sum will benefit, the team at Radio Borders say a big thank you.”

A total of £14,177.15 was raised during a number of high profile events held to celebrate the return of the Borders Railway.

As well as collecting the cash for the appeal, Scottish borders Council also provided premises at the Galashiels Interchange for the storage and wrapping of donated gifts.

Council leader David Parker added: “It has been fantastic to raise money for Radio Borders Cash for Kids at the same time as celebrating the arrival of the new Borders Railway.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the fundraising activities that have raised such a magnificent donation for this wonderful charity.

“The opening of the Borders Railway has been an unparalleled success and the enthusiasm for the project has clearly been echoed in the way that people have so generously supported these fundraising activities, the results of which will now be used to support families throughout the Borders.”