FROM humble beginnings the Borders Book Festival has grown into one of the top literary events in the country.

And the 15-year-old celebration of everything in print is about to open a brand new chapter by teaming up with the region's favourite weekly newspapers.

The Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News have become official media partners of the Borders Book Festival.

Not only will we bring you all the latest news of who will be turning the pages at Harmony Gardens this June, but we will have exclusive interviews with all of the authors, politicians, sports stars and entertainers.

Jo Robinson, content editor of the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News, explained: "We are thrilled to be working so closely with the Borders Book Festival.

"Every year the organisers bring the biggest names in literature, sport, politics and entertainment to the beautiful Harmony Gardens in Melrose - and we will have access to interview all of them for our readers to enjoy.

"We hope to have lots of live streaming from the festival and all of the news in the build up."

The very first Borders Book Festival in 2004 was held in the Wynd Theatre in front of an audience of around 400.

Last year, despite storms causing several events to be cancelled, almost 30,000 visitors enjoyed the likes of Ian Rankin, Richard Dawkins, Stacey Dooley, Neil Oliver and The Hairy Bikers.

This year's line-up is currently being finalised but it already promises to be another star-studded, yet eclectic, line-up that will have some appeal for almost everyone.

Borders Book Festival Director Alistair Moffat is delighted with the new media partnership.

He said: "Local roots are strong roots.

"When we started this festival 15 years ago, we knew that the most important people to attract were our neighbours.

"If they liked it, then so would others who lived further afield.

"Over that long period, the festival has grown to become the one moment in the year when the world comes to the Borders. Instead of catching a train to see big names in Edinburgh or London, they come to us in June in Melrose.

"But we will never forget our local roots and that is why a partnership with the Border Telegraph and the Peeblesshire News is vital.

"We are told that we have more Facebook friends in Dubai than in one of the Border towns and we are determined that with the help of the Border Telegraph and the Peeblesshire News, we will change that."

This year's Festival runs from Thursday, June 13 through to Sunday, June 16.

As well as talks and signings by many of the biggest names in books, television, sport and politics there will also be the hugely-popular children's book festival, delightful musical performances, fine dining in the orchard and so much more over the four days.

Don't miss the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News for the full programme of events.

Festival co-ordinator Paula Ogilvie believes the Festival has something for everyone. She explained: "The festival is proud of its place in Borders life, working alongside many partner organisations and writers’ groups to combine our main festival programme with community events and a platform for local authors, artists and youth groups to showcase their work.

"Young people are at the heart of the celebrations, with thousands of families, nursery and schoolchildren joining us each year at our bustling Family Book Festival and educational events, and many talented local young people form the backbone of our team by helping to shape our programme, and by performing, presenting and welcoming our visitors to Harmony Garden and Orchard in Melrose over a packed weekend in June.

"We are thrilled to forge this exciting new partnership with our friends at the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News and can’t wait to start sharing all our latest festival news."

Further details of the Border Book Festival are available at http://www.bordersbookfestival.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/bordersbookfestival/