SELKIRK is set for a teddy-free Christmas.

For almost a decade a huge bear has been amongst the highlights of the Royal Burgh's festive illuminations.

The ten-foot teddy is normally perched on the balcony above the Bank of Scotland and covered in fairy lights throughout December.

But this year's band of new volunteers couldn't prise the colossal cuddly toy from its hibernation hanger.

Alistair Pattullo, chairman of Selkirk Community Council, was amongst the new recruits who spent almost six hours hanging the town's illuminations earlier this month.

Alistair said: "We had to leave the teddy bear in storage - we couldn't get it out.

"It was stored up at the top of the unit and the forklift wasn't working.

"Hopefully we'll have him back for next year."

Selkirk was threatened with a Christmas blackout this year after lengthy delays in connecting new power sources.

Following some last minute wiring a new team of recruits managed to erect the lights with a fortnight to spare.

Former Standard Bearer Gavin Henderson also helped by driving a borrowed cherry picker.

Some teething problems with internal timers have been discovered.

And a few of the bulbs have blown.

But the new volunteers are confident they will have Selkirk back to its brightest by next year.

Mr Pattullo added: "Every one of us was doing this for the first time and it took a bit longer than it should have.

"We will highlight the faults and number all of the lights when we take them down.

"We will get everything fixed during next summer and make sure we have a display to be proud of next year."

To coincide with the lights being switched on earlier this month Selkirk Traders hosted a day of celebrations and carol singing.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, who is an electrician, believes this year's teething problems will be sorted out.

He added: "We have checked all of the new boxes and there's one that doesn't work.

"There are timers on the others that we need to sort out as well, as some of the lights may come on at silly times.

"Once we work out the problems we will have everything working."