A BORDERS charity has launched a fundraising text appeal to help it provide local youngsters with essential clothing.

Peebles-based Tweed Togs has been operating since 2017 to make high-quality, pre-loved clothing available for children aged 12 and under.

And now the charity is running a ‘Winter Wunder Wear’ campaign to raise money to buy essential garments – such as underwear and pyjamas – for youngsters across the Borders.

Details of items needed are regularly posted on the charity’s Facebook page.

Susan Walker, Tweed Togs’ chair, said: “Using our Facebook page to request specific donations of clothing is working really well.

“Our most urgent need is funding for underwear and pyjamas.

“Every referral is provided with a set of new pants, socks and vests and as more and more requests have been made, Tweed Togs need to quickly replenish these stocks.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the charity’s ability to fundraise has been reduced.

However, it received a grant from SPIFOX – an organisation which raises money for children’s causes in Scotland – but this money is due to run out.

The charity says that since August demand for its services has “increased rapidly week on week” as it has received referrals from more than 45 different agencies across the Borders.

To date, it has provided clothing to more than 900 children around the region.

Tweed Togs’ services are free and totally anonymous and recipients of the clothes receive their packages within 11 days of receipt of the referral.

Referrals to Tweed Togs can be made by healthcare professionals, schools, charities, the Citizens Advice Bureau, churches and support groups.

It offers seasonally appropriate clothing, as well as underwear, which is then packaged into gift bags for the youngsters.

Due to limited storage space at its base in Peebles Business and Art Hub, Tweed Togs ensures any excess clothing donations avoid landfill and are reused or recycled.

Ms Walker said: “The generosity of local people and businesses is absolutely astounding.

“We are hugely grateful to our volunteers and followers who give of their time and services freely and to those who take time to donate beautiful pre loved clothes.”

To donate to the Winter Wunder Wear campaign, text PANTS to 70560 to donate £3, or to donate £5 text PJS to 70560.

For more information, including details of requested items, visit Tweed Togs' Facebook page.