ORGANISERS of the fourth Selkirk Junior Rideout have hailed the event as the biggest and best yet.

A record 96 young riders and their ponies took to the streets of the Royal Burgh on Wednesday.

And every one of them was given an enthusiastic welcome as Souters in their hundreds lined the route.

Standard Bearer Peter Forrest led the cavalcade from Station Road up The Green and into the picturesque Haining for a well-earned rest.

And as they remounted and headed down the Back Row, each and every one of the riders was presented with a badges and rosette by this year's Attendants before having photographs taken with the 2018 Standard Bearer.

Gordon Hislop from the organising Ex Standard Bearers Association, told us: "Standard Bearer Forrest was excellent with all of the riders.

"He took time to meet and chat with each of them as well as have his photo taken with them.

"Not only did we have the most riders we've ever had but the crowds who came out to see them were as big, if not bigger, than we've ever had before.

"It's fair to say the Junior Rideout is going from strength to strength."

After the presentations at the bottom of the Back Row, the cavalcade was led along the High Street and through the Market Place by Selkirk Silver Band, who for the the first time included its talented junior section.

Riders had come from afar as St Andrew's, Morpeth and Musselburgh as well as almost every Borders town to take part.

And they were rewarded with a night few of them will forget.

Mr Hislop added: "For many of the riders this will be their first taste of a Common Riding rideout.

"They are the next generation of riders who will one day ride the Marches and help continue our ancient traditions.

"The Junior Rideout is very much part of our Common Riding now and we hope it will continue for many years to come."

The Selkirk Ex Standard Bearers' Association would like to thank Scottish Borders Council for help is organising the event, Scottish Borders Housing Association for their financial support to purchase rosettes and badges, PC Conal McEwan for his unwavering support, Elliot and Sandra Murray for organising the foot stewards, Booker Cash and Carry for providing the riders' goody bags, and Broomhill Equestrian Centre for the horsey goody bags.