A QUARTET of Borders College students have won one of Scotland's toughest mountain bike races.

The 24-hour Strathpeffer Puffer attracts competitors from around the globe.

But coming out on top in the mixed team event were teenagers Angus Fraser, Ben Balfour, Karra Laing and Tom Hildred.

The Borders College team completed a remarkable 27 eight-mile laps of Torrachilty Forest to take the trophy.

Ben from Peebles, Innerleithen's Karra, Cardrona's Tom and Angus from Inverness averaged around 50 minutes per lap despite the wintry conditions.

Angus said: "Physically and mentally, this is one of the hardest things I have ever done.

"The race course was very challenging.

"We basically had no sleep in the 24 hours we competed and were having to get on our bikes in the small hours, in the cold and wet conditions.

"The effort we put in as a team was worth the reward in the end.”

Among the competitors at this year's Strathpeffer Puffer were record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont and former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright.

The Borders College success has been welcomed back at the Galashiels campus where they study.

Darren Burns, curriculum and learning manager for sport and outdoor activities, said: "Great to see the work that the students have been putting in on their fitness and skills has paid off.

"Especially as it is a team event; we often have individuals perform well but this shows the development that the course can provide across a larger group.

"These students are in their first year at College - and have potentially two more years to go of their training - so hopefully will have more success to come.“