RESIDENTS across the Eildons are being encouraged to bid for new funding to improve their communities.

Applications for the first phase of the £500,000 Localities Bid Fund are now open until Friday, December 1.

The overall fund is split between five areas - Berwickshire, Cheviot, Eildon, Teviot and Liddesdale, and Tweeddale - with each one allocated a certain amount based on its population.

People in the Eildon locality, which covers Galashiels, Selkirk, Melrose, Earlston, Lauder, Newtown St Boswells and surrounding areas, are being urged to come forward.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, chair of the Eildon Locality Committee said: "I’m really pleased that this new fund is up and running. We’re looking for as many people as possible in our local communities to send their ideas to the Council between now and the start of December.

"Applications will be voted on by members of the public in the Eildon locality itself so they can have a real say on how money will be spent in the area."

Anyone from the age of 16 and older and lives, works, volunteers or studies in the Borders, as well as community groups are eligible to apply.

All bids received for each area will be reviewed by a panel of councillors and key council staff before going to a public vote early next year.

For more information about the Localities Bid Fund and how to apply visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/localitiesbidfund