STAFF at a Galashiels catering supply company have been stepping out and watching their water in a bid to raise money for famine-struck regions of Africa.

A total of 12 employees at foodservice provider Bidfood completed a sponsored walk on last week in the lead up to World Water Day.

And a further two employees accepted the One Water Five Litre Challenge.

Paige Gillie and Greg Borthwick both limited their water use for an entire 24 hours to just five litres - the average person uses around 150 litres each day for drinking, cooking and washing.

Paige, who is a fleet administrator with Bidfood Fleet Support in Galashiels, told the Border Telegraph: “It was far from easy.

"In fact a lot harder than myself and my colleague had anticipated, however it was really worth it and opened our eyes to how important water is.

“It’s been a privilege to raise funds for the One Foundation and I would recommend anyone testing themselves and taking on the challenge!

"You’ll think twice before wasting water afterwards.”

Many people in areas of Africa have no choice but to survive on just five litres of water or less each day.

World Water Day highlighted how women and children across the continent face an average walk of six kilometres each day to fill their five litre cans and carry the 20 kilogramme of water back to their communities.

And many charities across the UK encouraged businesses and individuals to raise funds to help bring water relief to some of the worst hit areas.

Bidfood in Galashiels teamed up with One Foundation fundraising efforts in the lead up to World Water Day.

A total of £750 was raised to help build and repair water pumps in African villages.

A spokeswoman for Bidfood added: "Employees at the Galashiels site ran a series of fundraising and promotional activities to raise awareness of the water crisis in Africa and help improve the lives of African communities."

All of Bidfood’s 22 depots in the UK took part with 150 employees accepting the World Water Day Five Litre Challenge.