VOLUNTEERS in Galashiels have raised more than £500 for a local children's charity by selling winter clothing in the town.

Throughout November, Michelle Douglas, Celeste Di Vito, Pamela Kelly and Amalia Natillo collected unwanted coats, hats and scarves from Borders residents.

And on Sunday they took them all out to the Salmon Inn in Cornmill Square where they sold them for £1 each to raise money for Cash for Kids, an organisation which supports youngsters in the region.

Michelle who organised the sale told the Border Telegraph: "We were so overwhelmed by the response we got from the public.

"The sale on Sunday went amazingly well. We managed to raise £510 for Radio Borders Cash for Kids, and we will be taking a cheque down to them.

"We collected loads of bags full of winter jackets, hats and scarves over the past month – it was absolutely crazy.

"We just wanted to help people keep warm this winter. The idea came when I looked in my wardrobe and found jackets that I no longer use. I thought to myself if I've got jackets that I am not wearing, other people might have coats they no longer want too."

The sale was set up for those who may not be able to afford the items in the shops, or for people who just want to do their bit for charity.

Michelle added: "You hear of a lot of people struggling financially and people shouldn't have to make the choice between buying a winter coat or paying utility bills.

"Charging £1 for the items allowed people to make a contribution and get wrapped up this winter.

"We were amazed with the donations we received, as we tried hard to get the message out through social media.

"We still have about a quarter of the stock left, but this will not go to waste. We will be donating them to the Domestic Abuse Services in Jedburgh as well as Edinburgh.

"We would love to be able to run the sale again next year and make more people aware of the event."