DOGS in the Borders got a special Christmas gift this year thanks to the efforts of two youngsters.

Summer Parkhill and Kyle McCunnie both took part in a major challenge to help raise vital funds for Arthurshiel Animal Rescue.

The pair, joined by Summer's mum Kylie, her gran Melanie, and their dog Daphne – who the family rehomed from Arthushiel ­– walked 6.9 miles from Selkirk to Galashiels on Friday, December 22.

And despite the cold and windy December weather, the group made it to their special treat at the end of their challenge – a tasty drink from Costa Coffee.

Summer shares her love of dogs with her mum, and regularly joins her volunteering at the rescue near St Boswells.

Kylie said: "We completed 6.9 miles in total, we had a stop off at Costa for chocolate frappés then carried on up to McDonald's.

"R & L taxis from Selkirk kindly did the pick up from Gala to bring us all home.

"We raised an amazing £780 which is an absolutely outstanding amount.

"We at the Rescue, and also Summer and Kyle, just want to say a massive thank you to every single person that offered support and to all who kindly sent donations to make this amazing total."

An order has already been placed for important and vital resources for the rescue using the money raised by Summer and Kyle.

These include:

  • a roll of vet bedding
  • watering cans
  • 15kg bags of dry dog food
  • disinfectant
  • a bulk buy of micro chips (some members of the rescue staff are certified to microchip animals)