Esmé Pringle has been selected by Project Trust to work as an assistant English teacher in Chile for 12 months.

The 17-year-old will be based across schools in socially deprived areas of the capital Santiago, with the aim of providing a high level of education.

Esmé, from Innerleithen, has undergone an intensive selection process at the charity’s base on the Isle of Coll.

But she must raise £5,000 by the end of August to be allowed to fulfill her year’s charity work.

On Friday evening at the Mac Arts Centre in Galashiels she raised almost half of her total.

As well as three bands - Umbel, Curdled Milk and the Border Boogie Band - the crowd also took part in Blind Llama Darts - throwing darts at a map of South America whilst wearing a llama head, with the nearest Santiago winning - and a prize-draw raffle.

Following Friday’s fundraiser Esmé told us: “I didn’t realise just how much work was involved in putting on a night like this and everyone’s been absolutely amazing.

“It’s really starting to sink in now that I’m actually going to Chile.” It was very much a family affair with dad, Grant Pringle, not only MC-ing the evening but also performing with Esmé’s brother, Isaac, in Umbel.

Esmé also took to the stage with her own band, Curdled Milk, before headliners, the Border Boogie Band, delivered their usual blistering set.

Esmé added: “It was a brilliant night. Umbel were cool, despite the fact my dad and brother were playing!

“The Boogie Band were brilliant.” Dozens of shops and companies have heleped the Peebles High Dux Girl in her fundraising quest.

And dad, Grant, was full of priase for all of them.

He told us: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received for Esmé.

“It’s been a fantastic night and I’m so grateful to everyone at Mac Arts for their hard work behind the scenes.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for coming along, spending money at the bar and boogying to the bands. The bar was dry by the end of the night which explains some of the shapes being thrown on the dance floor later on!” Esmé still has more than £1000 to raise before August and it expected that a ceilidh will be staged in June.

Donations can be made to justgiving.com/esmepringle