AN annual sponsored walk around Selkirk has just reached the £175,000 milestone in funding for Cancer Research.

Joyce Wright began the fundraising hike back in 1988 in memory of her father George Ballantyne.

George had died from cancer the previous year.

And Joyce's annual trek has continued ever since - except for 2001 during the foot-and-mouth outbreak - with the support from dozens of walkers.

This year 69 friends and supporters took part in the 20 miles sponsored walk from Dryhope in Yarrow over to Traquair, up to the Three Brethren and down into Selkirk on April 28.

The sponsored money was finalised this week.

And the grand total of £8384 takes Joyce's fundraising efforts through the £175,000 mark.

Joyce, who was awarded a British Empire Medal for her fundraising efforts in 2015, told us: "The fundraising committee is indebted to the many people who support the walk including Borders Buses who provided transport to the starting point of the walk, Selkirk Rotary Club for helping out with the marshalling and Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team who continue to support the walk every year and their reassuring presence is always appreciated.

"Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer thanks to the dedication and commitment of volunteers and supporters who help fund our research.

"Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of that progress.

"The overall total raised since the walk started in 1988 is now up to £175,559, and that doesn't include any gift aid reclaimed."

Next year's walk is due to take place on Sunday, April 26.

Anyone who would like to register to take part should call Joyce on 0794 778 1675.