VOLUNTEERS who helped bring a "world-class" pumptrack circuit to a Borders town have been celebrated at an awards ceremony.

On Tuesday (April 16) a celebration at Bowhill House saw the Duke of Buccleuch present the King's Award for Voluntary Services to members of the Hawick Community Pumptrack Group.

The group received the award in recognition of their work for the local community in bringing the pumptrack in Wilton Lodge Park.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, the Duke of Buccleuch, said: “It truly was a great honour to meet the group and present this very much sought after and very much deserved accolade“.

Dr Kevin Mitchell, who received the award on behalf of the group, was joined at Bowhill House by fellow group members Ben Wilson and Keith Irving - Michael Graham was unable to attend the event.

The volunteers' family and friends were also invited to the event to celebrate their success.

The Hawick Community Pumptrack Group was supported by councillors Watson McAteer and Stuart Marshall during the early stages of planning. Former convener, councillor David Parker, also assisted in chairing the play-parks group and helping to source funding for the pumptrack's floodlights.

The Duke of Buccleuch added: “The Pumptrack is a fantastic new local facility nestling in the wonderful Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick.

"It has provided a real opportunity for young people in Hawick and the local area.

"Its high quality has been recognised in this particular sporting discipline and in the short time it has been opened has already hosted a world qualifying event.”