A COUNTRYSIDE ranger from a Borders estate has been presented with a major award for his work with youngsters.

Rory Powell, who is a ranger at Bowhill House and Country Estate near Selkirk, received the Tomorrow’s People Local Partner of the Year award at The Savoy in London.

Bowhill has been working with the Tomorrow’s People charity for the past four years, helping young adults to develop employability skills and boost their confidence.

During that time Rory has helped many 16- to 24-year-olds achieve the John Muir Award as well as building their practical skills relevant to the work place.

Rory said: “I was very proud to accept the award and to work on an estate where we have the chance to make a huge difference to people’s lives and offer them the opportunity to gain valuable employability skills.

“It’s something I do for joy, not recognition, but I was truly honoured to receive this award.

"This was a real highlight of my career and has inspired me to look at ways we can build on the partnership.”

Tomorrow’s People, who aim to transform young people’s lives, has helped more than 200 Borders into work, training or education since arriving in the region four years ago.

Mark Timmins, manager for the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders Tomorrow’s People Hub, told us: “Our relationship with Bowhill has helped us to deliver major opportunities for marginalised young people across the area, helping them to become confident individuals, ready and able to contribute to the Scottish Borders economy.

“The Tomorrow’s People Local Partner of the Year award is one that the organisation is very proud of and we were delighted to present it to Rory. We look forward to developing deeper and stronger links between the two organisations in the years to come.”