INTREPID Earlston pupils Lauren Purves and Ruth Drane are about to set out their stall.

And the teenagers have persuaded more than 20 local traders and crafters to do the same in a fundraising bid to reach Africa.

Both girls are taking part in the Vine Trust trip to Tanzania next June.

The charity provides medical and homebuilding support for children and families in poverty.

Both Lauren and Ruth have already been busy trying to raise the required £2,700 for the trip.

And they hope to get closer to the total in St Boswells Village Hall this weekend with their very own Christmas Craft Fayre.

Lauren explained: "We are passionate about our local shops and crafts people which is why we wanted to hold this local craft fayre and hope as many people locally will attend.

"Thank you to everyone for helping us to support the work of this brilliant charity."

The girls have plenty of fundraising experience - both are members of the St Boswells Village Hall Committee.

Over the past few months they have held bake sales and walked the entire 60 miles of the St Cuthbert's Way to edge closer to the Vine Trust target.

Lauren added: "Ruth and I have immensely enjoyed raising money for our Vine Trust charity trip to Tanzania.

"The St Cuthbert’s Way showed us that we truly live in a beautiful part of the world though it proved a great challenge as well.

"We are so grateful for the community of St Boswells who have been so supportive of us."

Saturday's Christmas Craft Fayre will feature 21 local businesses selling everything from bags, knitwear and cards to jewellery and Christmas stocking fillers.

There will also be a number of side stalls including a raffle, bottle/tombola stall, teddy tombola and 3D tattoos.

The Christmas Craft Fayre runs from 10am till 4pm.