A PILOT project to help late night revellers in Galashiels has been such a success it is being expanded.

Borders Street Pastors took to the streets last June.

The trained volunteers have carried out 35 patrols, which usually run from 11pm to 3.30am, to aid anyone who is in trouble.

By using their ethos of listening, caring and helping, each team has made a difference for the late-night revellers and also made the streets of Gala a safer place.

Six months on from the launch, patrols will now also start in Hawick.

Duncan Cameron from Borders Street Pastors told us: "Initially, Street Pastor patrols in Hawick will be on a monthly basis, but it is hoped to increase the frequency of these as numbers increase.

"By listening, caring and helping, Borders Street Pastors look forward to serving the people of Hawick."

During the past six months in Galashiels the volunteers have lifted and disposed off more than 1,000 glass bottles, handed out more than 200 pairs of flip flops, distributed foil blankets and woolly hats, as well as supplying bottles of water and around 1200 lolly pops.

Street Pastors will take to the streets of Hawick on Saturday, January 28.

A Commissioning Service beforehand, at 8pm, in Trinity Church.

Duncan added: "The Commissioning Service is open to all, and the people of Hawick are invited to come and share this special occasion."

Borders Street Pastors can be contacted at: borders@streetpastors.org.uk