A FUNDRAISING committee from Selkirk has just concluded its 50th year of fundraising to help the fight against cancer.

And they proved that they are as a busy as ever by hosting 20 events throughout last year.

Last Monday Richard Cowie, fund-raising manager of Cancer Research UK, arrived in Selkirk to present a certificate acknowledging the committee’s 50 years of service.

Richard joked that he had made several attempts last year at trying to present the certificate to the committee but they kept telling him to go away as they were too busy.

He added: “How could I argue with that when they were committed to doing such a fantastic job raising funds for a cause that we all care passionately about – raising funds for world class cancer research.”

He praised the committee for its hard work and thanked their supporters for their contribution.

Margery Inglis, chair of the Selkirk committee, explained that the support from the people of Selkirk and surrounding area made the task easier.

She also thanked everyone who had been involved.

Margery said: "Many thanks go to the people who generously opened their homes for events, the walkers who booted up for Joyce’s Walk and the Riverside Ramble, the ladies who lunch and take afternoon tea, the dancers, the bakers and cake lovers who enjoyed the Queen’s birthday cake.

"Also to Kelso Civic Week runners teas and Kelso High School students teas, the shoppers at Liberty Star Trading Night and our pop up shop, and the youngsters who took up the bus pass challenge ."

Joyce's Walk and the Riverside Ramble raised a staggering £10,000 for the charity, while the various other events throughout the year boosted the fundraising total to £25,600.