PEEBLESSHIRE Reverend Jim Benton-Evans is halfway to his fundraising target, and his album dreams could soon become a reality. 

Since launching the album bid on Thursday, September 22, Jim has raised over £650 of his £1,000 target. The funds will enable him to record his album professionally in Scotland.

Reverend Jim held a taster session of the album to coincide with the fundraising efforts on Saturday, October 1.

The preview lasted an hour at St Peters Church, Peebles, giving residents the opportunity to hear all ten songs and chat over cheese and wine.

Featuring ten songs, the album is made up of country and folk music, with some tracks ranging from an up-tempo to a more reflective sound.

The inspiration for the album came after the Reverend took a three-month break, jetting off to America and travelling across the UK.

In a statement on his fundraising page, Jim said: "I'm absolutely amazed and delighted to say that the crowd funder has now reached £620! That's well over halfway to the target and thanks to everyone who's donated, shared and roared me on generally it really looks like this thing can become a reality! I'm so grateful to all of you. 

"Saturday's preview was great fun and a grand success - for those who missed it, I do have video of the whole evening which I'll upload soon. In the meantime, please continue to share the page and tell your friends! And if you haven't got around to donating yet and feel able to and would like to, that would be extra awesome!

"Everyone who donates will receive a copy of the CD once it's released and there are other opportunities too! Thanks so much again for all your support." 

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/revjimsalbum&rcid=53bfa6c28ae311e6a335bc764e0525d6