CHRISTMAS came late for the Scottish Borders Royal Voluntary Service.

But nobody was complaining after the Jedburgh-based service collected a cheque for £1500 from local MP Calum Kerr.

The money was raised through the sale of the MP's Christmas cards.

The presentation was also attended by Phillipa Whitten of Eyemouth High School, whose design was selected by local artist Rob Hain to feature on the cards.

A total of 1,000 copies of the Christmas card were distributed with the help of sponsorship from several Borders firms including The Borders Distillery, Emtelle, Hastings Legal & Property, Mainetti, McCreath Simpson & Prentice, Tempest Brewing and the Scotmas Group.

Mr Kerr said: “I was very pleased that we’ve managed to significantly increase the total amount raised.

|"Last year we sent out 700 cards, this year we managed 1,000 and I’m very grateful to Phillipa for entering the competition and adding her creativity into the mix with an excellent design.

“There are many rewarding aspects to this job but having the opportunity to bring together schools, local businesses and a good local cause is foremost among them.”

The Borders branch of the Royal Voluntary Service assists older people to maintain their independence and remain involved in the local community.

On Monday the MP met volunteers, staff and service users at Millfield in Jedburgh before presenting the cheque.

He added: “It was a delight to meet service users and volunteers in Jedburgh and to hear first-hand about just how vital the service is.

"It offers elderly members of our community improved quality of life by giving them the chance to get out of the house and participate in a wide range of activities.”