A MIDLOTHIAN-based care company has rescued 65 jobs by taking over a service in the Borders.

Staff at Selkirk-based Borders Caring Services were stunned earlier this year when its board members announced its planned closure.

The charity, which had operated for 20 years, provided home care for more than 100 elderly clients in the region.

But its four-strong board hadn't been able to attract any additional members to help run the organisation.

Uncertainty continued through the summer as social work bosses at Scottish Borders Council attempted to find a replacement provider.

The Our Care at Home division of the McSence Group, which is a community owned business and registered charity based in Midlothian, was recently awarded the contract.

And this week bosses announced that they will be keeping on all former BSC staff.

McSence chief executive David Maxwell told the Border Telegraph: “Our growing business is community owned and focused on the needs of our clients-not on shareholders.

"We are proud to be protecting so many jobs and excited by the prospect of creating more in the future.

"This is really good news for everyone involved - our clients, staff and the Borders in general."

Our Care at Home, who already have operate contracts with Scottish Borders Council,took over the BSC service this week.

They will be based out of the group's offices in Ladhope Vale, Galashiels.

In its recent Care Inspectorate Inspection Report, McSence were graded very good for quality of service.

Mr Maxwell added: "This is a testament to our community orientated model where local services are provided to local people by local people.

"The new contract enables us to expand activities in Galashiels from our base in Ladhope Vale, bringing new services to the Borders, creating more long term sustainable employment within a community focussed organisation."