GALASHIELS has taken a top 'regeneration' gong at a national ceremony.

The Vibrant Gala Plan won the Improving Scotland's Places Award at the prestigious 25th Anniversary SURF Awards.

The announcement was made at a presentation event in Glasgow’s Voco Grand Central Hotel.

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Energise Galashiels Trust, a community-based organisation, developed and manage the Vibrant Gala Plan with funding from South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council.

The organisation has delivered many improvement projects in the town over the last three-and-a-half years.

They include the installation of the town's murals and supporting events like the Tangled Galashiels, Maroon’d at Gala; as well as The Heartland Market.

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The trust was established in 2014 to respond to the decline in town centre, with the aim of creating a more vibrant and welcoming community.

Angela Crow, from Energise Galashiels Trust, said: "All of those involved with Energise Galashiels Trust (EGT) over the last nine to 10 years have worked tirelessly on various projects to make Galashiels a more vibrant place for locals and visitors.

“Winning the 'Most Improved Place' category at the 25th SURF awards ceremony and the 'Creative Town' award at Scotland’s Town Partnership awards ceremony last month is recognition of the combined efforts of the many volunteers who have given their time, passion and commitment over that period.

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“The last three to four years, with funding support from South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council, have seen EGT deliver projects such as the murals and sculpture placements, linked to the Tapestry Way Study, which were instrumental in securing both awards for the town.

“EGT are delighted to have received both awards and will continue working on, and supporting, projects such as the Town Team and the Business Improvement District (BID) to make our town even better."