BORDERS MSP Christine Grahame formally opened the new Borders Pet Rescue Craigsford Kennels in Earlston on Saturday.

The facility was built thanks to a six-figure private legacy from an anonymous donor from the region and support from Pets Foundation and PetPlan UK.

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Housed within the BPR Rescue centre, it will provide10 purpose-built kennels to accommodate dogs needing to be rehomed.

Border Telegraph: Christine Grahame MSP/Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Animal Welfare group formally opens the new Borders Pet Rescue Craigsford Kennels in EarlstonChristine Grahame MSP/Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Animal Welfare group formally opens the new Borders Pet Rescue Craigsford Kennels in Earlston

Ahead of the opening, staff and volunteers held a coffee morning at Earlston Rugby Club with refreshments and stalls, including a pre-loved Christmas stall, raffle, lucky dips and guided tours of the new kennels, cattery and other Rescue Centre facilities.

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Ann Southwood, chair of BPR, said: “The event was a huge success and very well supported by our Borders community and supporters.

“We still have some donation tins to count although we certainly made in excess of £1,000 at the coffee morning which is a tremendous amount which will be used to support the animals in our care."