A CHARITABLE double act have come up with the perfect way to toast Peebles – whilst raising vital funds for local good causes.

As previously reported in the Peeblesshire News, Angela Preston and Marion Anderson launched ‘A Gift for Peebles’ in July, which aims to bring their years of volunteering experience to help community groups.

And their latest contribution is designing a mug for Beltane enthusiasts – with profits going to their chosen charities and Beltane funds.

And toasting the creation of the mugs were this year’s Cornet and Lass Gregor McGrath and Loryn Paterson.

Angela said: “We are hoping they will be great stocking filler for the die-hard Beltane set in Peebles.”

It was a chat over a cuppa about all the organisations they have helped, and the great sense of community spirit in their town, that brought the light-bulb moment for the friends.

They came up with a plan which would not only benefit voluntary organisations, it would highlight the generosity of local business owners who want to give back to the town.

And so ‘A Gift for Peebles’ was born, with the dynamic duo not only giving up their time to volunteer, but also raising much needed funds to support up to five organisations per year.

Since their launch, countless businesses have been lining up to play their part by donating prizes for raffle, or displaying a collection can in their premises.

Angela said: “We have been overwhelmed at the response with over 20 businesses supporting us since we set up.”

Their chosen organisations to benefit this year are Nomad Beat, Peeblesshire Youth Trust, Encore Arts, Crafts & Dance workshops for the elderly, and Tiny Toes which supports new mums and babies.

Not only will these groups benefit financially, they will also reap the fruits of Angela and Marion’s volunteering labour.

Angela explained: “Marion has already offered 100 hours of volunteering with Nomad Beat after speaking with Ruth who really needs more people to help with admin. And we will both be helping pack hampers for the Peeblesshire Youth Trust the week before Christmas.

“We have been to Tiny Toes helping and plan to go again. It’s wonderful hearing from the new mums what an incredibly supportive space Tiny Toes is.”

Next year, the volunteering groups chosen will be decided by the community who are invited to nominate the organisations they feel deserving of this valued support.