FESTIVAL officials in Selkirk have issued a warning to prevent poo pests spoiling this year's Common Riding.

One of the highlight's of the historic festival is the re-enactment of Fletcher's defiant cast with a banner in the town's Market Place.

On Friday evening Kieran Riddell was unveiled as this year's Royal and Ancient Burgh Standard Bearer.

As well as the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer, representatives of the town's corporations and associations also cast their own flags during the emotional ceremony.

But there timing has to be right.

And in the five or six weeks leading up to Common Riding morning each of the Standard Bearers take part in vital practice sessions.

But a growing problem with dog mess on the practice lawn at Viewfield has forced organisers to issue an appeal.

A spokesman said: "It has come to our attention that there is a major issue with dog fouling in this area.

"During the build up to the Common Riding, Viewfield is used by all the casting organisations as well as the many adults and children who come to watch."

In recent years the growing problem of dog fouling in Selkirk, as well as other parts of the Borders, has to led to countless complaints to the local authority.

But many areas in the town are still plagued by the poo pests.

The spokesman added: "We respectfully request that dog owners pick up and bin anything their dog chooses to leave behind."