MENTAL health charity New Horizons Borders has been given a Christmas boost by the Co-op.

The Co-operative's Community Fund has granted the charity �1441 to help equip its drop-in centre.

The Community Fund, first established 15 years ago, is created by members of The Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part, of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme.

Ken Greenshields, The Co-operative's Membership Officer for Lothian and Borders, said: "Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make. It's a scheme we're very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities.

"There is over �300,000 available in Scotland each year from the Community Fund, and we welcome applications from local groups and projects for �100 to �2,000." New Horizons Borders, which was founded in 1993, provides informal meeting places across the region on a drop-in basis where members provide mutual support and help, as well as the chance to develop friendships.