A MESSY fundraiser has been organised at the Gytes in a bid to help raise money for young people in the Borders.

On Saturday, October 17, Peebles RFC are hosting an unusual fundraiser for Cash for Kids, and it will require a fair bit of clean-up afterwards.

Until October 16, the club will be selling off sections of the Gytes pitch for £5 a square, and on October 17 a sheep will be released on to the pitch and wherever it poos, the owner of that square wins a prize.

Speaking on behalf of event organisers, Mark Thomson, 44, said: “We’ve received phenomenal support so far from people in and around Peebles, and not just those associated with the rugby club."

The 'Poo in the Park' competition will see former 1st XV stalwart Sandy Smellie release one of his sheep onto the field on the Saturday.

Mr Smellie said: "I’ve got the perfect sheep in mind for this.

"Most of them are bonkers but I’ll be bringing down the ‘Special One’ for this task.

"Don’t think we’ll be waiting long!"

Peeblesshire News:

Picture: Greig Laidlaw, Darcy Graham and Stuart Hogg with the signed Scotland shirt

Whoever is lucky enough to have their square chosen by the 'Special One' will win £100 and a Scotland Rugby jersey, courtesy of Greig Laidlaw, Stuart Hogg and Darcy Graham. The shirt is signed by the Scotland team who drew 38-38 against England at Twickenham last year.

Mr Thomson added: "It was a lovely gesture from Greig Laidlaw, Darcy Graham and Stuart Hogg.

"It adds to the incentive.

"It's a lovely touch, we're happy they did that."

Due to competition rules, the club cannot share how much money they have raised so far, but they have a target of £2,500.

Money raised through Poo in the Park will go towards two groups which support young people – one across the Borders and another closer to home in Peebles.

Mr Thomson said: "It’s been a real community effort and every penny raised is being match funded so people donating are helping two causes at the one time – helping the children that need it most across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland and secondly, the development of youth rugby from players aged P1 to those in their final year at high school."

The deadline for making a donation and receiving your square of the Gytes is October 16.

To donate and for more information, visit this fundraising page or the club's Facebook page.