ORGANISERS of the Forest Pitch event planned for Saturday have been forced to reschedule the kick off.

Two games were due to be played in woodland near Selkirk on Saturday afternoon as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

But recent downpours have left the recently constructed pitch full of puddles.

And a final decision made this morning has seen both games postponed.

Artist Craig Coulthard, who is behind the Forest Pitch project, is bitterly disappointed. He told us: "It would have been unfair on the players to ask them to play in such conditions where it wasn't safe.

"I'm determined to work hard over the next few weeks to find a new date for the matches and make sure it is a success."

Teams of recently arrived immigrants to Scotland will play in the historic matches - watched by hundreds of local football fans.

And it is expected the games will be played on a Saturday afternoon in August - with the exact date still to be announced.

Local referee Frank Campbell made this morning's pitch inspection. He said: "I love the concept of the Forest Pitch.

"The pitch is clearly water-logged and can't go ahead this week."

All tickets sold for the Forest Pitch matches will be valid for the rearranged date.