A "BIKE library" has been launched to help key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Just Cycle and Momentum Scottish Borders, the employability service, started the project at the Tweedbank Craft Centre in March.

Key workers have been encouraged to borrow bikes to help them travel to work.

Peebles carer Amy, of Walkerburn, said she is "so grateful" for the scheme.

She said: "I am much less anxious now as I have a better option to get to work and it’s a lot more manageable.

"I know other carers who would benefit from this and have texted my friend, who is also worried about getting to and from work, to let her know about the bikes."

Just Cycle usually gets its recycled bikes from recycling centres around the Borders, but it struggled when the sites were closed.

However, the project has been able to meet demand thanks to the kindness of Borders residents.

Just Cycle manager Deborah Crozier said: "We put out a call on our Facebook page, requesting donations of unwanted bikes.

"As always, the Borders community answered our call, donating a further 50 bicycles.

"Cycling UK also got in touch to let us know about the Big Bike Revival for Key Workers fund that would allow us to restore more bikes to further support the bike library.

"We got the funding, and our socially distanced volunteer mechanics – Stephen, Andy and Grant – have been working flat out to restore, repair and recycle more bicycles."

Momentum Scottish Borders' Gillian Ormiston said the group received help from cycling product supplier Muc Off.

The company provided antibacterial spray and cleaning products to ensure health and safety standards were upheld.

Ms Ormiston said: "In my role, it was in my best interests to look at ways to contribute to keeping the Borders on the move.

"Sustaining and maintaining employment for the Scottish Borders is vital, even more so through this pandemic, to enable key workers to remain focused and on the move, and to support their everyday needs."

For more information, visit the Just Cycle Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/justcycle1