AS 2018 draws to a close, so does a special Selkirk documentary project being undertaken by local journalist John Smail through his company Lindean Lore.

For the past 11 months, the former editor of the Southern Reporter has been filming local events and the day-to-day life of folk in Selkirk and the Valleys.

Entitled A Souter’s Year, filming for the documentary will end on Old Year’s Night, with the finished documentary going on sale early in the New Year as a four-DVD box set.

John told the Border Telegraph: “It’s been hard work at times, but very worthwhile.

“I’ve been touched by the way local people have gone out of their way to help me, either by agreeing to be filmed or else suggesting subjects I might like to cover.

“I’ve wanted folk to tell their own stories, and the finished documentary will contain over 200 interviews and more than 100 individual tales and reports.”

Features include behind-the-scenes footage of Selkirk’s town centre regeneration scheme, highlights from the local agricultural year, a first-hand report on Selkirk Silver Band’s success at the Scottish and UK national finals, interviews with all seven of Selkirk’s 2018 Standard Bearers, extensive coverage of the community’s Armistice celebrations, plus a look at Selkirk’s sporting, social and cultural organisations.

John added: "It helped that we had such brilliant weather throughout the summer, allowing me to showcase the wonderful landscape around Selkirk and the surrounding area.”

The four-DVD box set A Souter’s Year retails at £17.50, with proceeds from sales being donated to local charities and organisations.

Members of the public wishing to buy “A Souter’s Year” as a Christmas present, can purchase a special pre-order gift voucher at either the Scott’s Selkirk Shop in the Market Place, or at Turnbull’s Shoe Repairs on the High Street.

Vouchers can also be purchased on-line via the A Souter’s Year web site at www.asoutersyear.com or by e-mailing lindeanlad@gmail.com.