BORDERERS desperate for a party after spending weeks in lockdown are being invited to throw on their gladrags and dancing shoes – and hit the living room for a night in.

Mental health campaigner Emma Smith, of Peebles, is organising a virtual disco through Zoom.

She said: “I wanted to offer something that people could do from the comfort of their own homes, bringing the community together and giving them a welcome distraction from everything that’s going on right now.”

Emma already has two successful charity events under her belt, having arranged for local singer-songwriter Tommy Ashby to headline gigs. A total of £2,000 went to the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

Now, however, Emma is inviting people from Tweeddale and beyond to join a virtual dance party.

She has teamed up with Silent Adventures to schedule an event for May 30 called ‘The Sessions in aid of SAMH disco In-Furlough’.

“Although this is something we hadn’t planned for initially, the virtual format means we can bring even more people together, so I guess every cloud has a silver lining,” said Emma.

"No matter where people’s loved ones are in the world, or who they are isolating with, as long as they have Zoom they can get involved.”

Mental health is a cause which is “really close” to Emma’s heart, she said, adding: “My hope is that by raising awareness through our events, and trying to get the message out there that it is OK not to be OK, it will help take the stigma away from something that affects so many people every single day.”

To take part in the event, which sees profits going to SAMH, Emma says you must register by sending an email to thesessions@hotmail.com