A SCHOOLBOY from the Borders proved dreams can come true after his photograph was chosen from more than 2000 entries to win a national competition.

Seventeen-year-old Matthew Charles, from Tweedbank, will have his work featured at the Strand Gallery in London.

He took a picture of a person climbing the stairs between Albert Place and Lawyer’s Brae in Galashiels for The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Photography Competition.

And the sixth year pupil at Galashiels Academy has won a £50 voucher to buy photographic equipment, as well as a trip to London to attend the prize giving ceremony on Thursday, March 20, along with his mum and teacher. Galashiels Academy also wins £50 worth of vouchers to buy books or school equipment.

The competition challenged young people for their unique take on society and the social sciences by asking them to take a picture of where they belong and feel at home.

Matthew said: “I am absolutely delighted to win. I have a keen interest in photography but never expected to hear anymore after submitting my entry.

“I hoped the image, entitled ‘Dreams Are Only A Step Away’, would give some inspiration to my generation.” And he added: “Now that it is to appear in a national exhibition it has proved dreams can come true.”