CHILDREN in the Borders will learn more about different cultures and beliefs thanks to a Scots language charity.

Nil by Mouth, an equalities charity, has been backed by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to provide copies of its 'Neeps & Tatties' education resource.

The resource, which tells the story of two warring vegetable tribes, will be available to teachers across the region leading up to St Andrew's Day.

Neeps & Tatties tells the story of how the two tribes put their differences aside and the past behind them in order to focus on a better future.

The book looks at discrimination, prejudice and how some issues can span generations.

The charity recently visited SBC headquarters for a meeting with councillor Robin Tatler and education director Lesley Munro to hand over the first set of books.

Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said: "We are delighted to be invited along to launch this project with Scottish Borders Council and we are grateful to both Robin [Tatler] and Lesley [Munro] for making it happen.

"Their support means that we can share more than 100 copies of this book with teachers across the Borders and all the resources required to help them bring the story to life in the classroom.

"It’s fantastic to have the council's support and its help in bringing our message of tolerance and change to young people.

"Scots is widely spoken and understood in the region and we hope that in addition to helping pupils learn more about different cultures and beliefs it will also deepen their understanding and appreciation of the many Scots words which enrich our lives.

"Last year more than 600 schools across Scotland used the resource to help pupils discuss and better understand difference. So much of our work challenging bigotry deals with how words can be used to hurt or belittle others.

"That’s why its brilliant to be able to celebrate language and the different ways we can express ourselves.

"The stories we tell our children help shape how they see the world and make sense of the differences that exist around them."

Neeps and Tatties, written by Carey Morning and illustrated by Anna York, also has a series of games and activities to run alongside it, created by the charity, to encourage youngsters to explore different cultures and traditions.

Mr Tatler added: "I’m delighted to have been able to secure this partnership with the charity and ensure that Borders schools can benefit from a resource that has proved so popular and effective in schools across Scotland.

"I know several schools in Peebles and Galashiels enjoyed using it last year in the run up to Burns Night and we’ve ensured that dozens more Borders schools can now also benefit.

"We want to ensure the Borders is a welcoming place to people, especially those fleeing persecution or war in their own countries and ‘Neeps & Tatties’ will hopefully allow them to better understand Scottish traditions as well as providing a chance for them to celebrate their own.