As part of Volunteers’ Week, a Borders retirement housing complex has recognised five of their volunteers who have given 55 years of their time lending a helping hand.

The Bield’s Mungo Park Court development in Selkirk held an event for tenants, staff and local public figures to come together and appreciate the dedication of members of the local community, as part of a nationwide celebration.

The volunteers were presented with flowers and a certificate by the Lord Provost in recognition of their contribution to improving the lives of older people in the area.

Local musicians John Irvine and Sandy Smith performed at the event.

One of the volunteers, Maisie Mackenzie, said: “I’ve been volunteering at Mungo Park for more than 15 years now and it’s so rewarding to see the difference you’re making to older people’s lives.”

“Every day I spend with tenants is completely different. The biggest success for me as a volunteer is getting tenants socialising, joining in with an activity or just chatting to each other.”

One of the Development Housing Managers Lynette Haddock was keen to voice her appreciation to the volunteers.

She said: “Simple things like sitting and having a cuppa and a chat with a tenant can make such a difference to their day and I’ve seen so many genuine friendships develop between tenants and our lovely volunteers.”

Bield is a registered Scottish charity and has been working for more than 40 years, to enable elderly people to live the life they want.

They believe that older people should have the freedom to make their own choices and should be allowed to live as independently as possible.