A BORDERS road safety initiative has won a national award.

The Drivewise scheme, which was launched in 2016, is an education programme aimed at reducing the number of injury and fatal crashes in the region.

And earlier this month the campaign was granted the Community Award at the Fleet Safety Awards, held by charity Brake in Birmingham.

Drivewise offers practical and theoretical workshops to young motorists aged 14 to 25 and to over 65s.

One element of the scheme involved Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Borders Council, Volvo UK and Cleland Volvo preparing schoolchildren for the future.

These inputs promoted safe driving practices, encouraged responsible behaviour as a passenger and highlighted the risks of speeding, driving while under the influence, driving without a seatbelt and using mobile devices at the wheel.

And it has proven so successful in the region that it has been rolled out in other areas of the country.

Chief inspector Andy McLean, local area commander for the Scottish Borders, said: "It is extremely rewarding to have the Drivewise campaign recognised by a road safety charity and vindicates all the hard work of the partners involved and our ongoing efforts to reduce casualties and fatalities on the Scottish Borders road network.

"We will continue to deliver Drivewise inputs throughout the Borders as well as using a range of other education and enforcement tactics to keep our roads safe. As always, I am grateful to our colleagues from the other emergency services, commercial industry and third sector for their continued support.

"Road safety remains one of our top priorities and I would ask motorists of all ages to always consider their actions when behind the wheel, so as not to put themselves or others at risk."