ASPIRING sports stars from across the region gathered in Galashiels last week for three days of top coaching.

Run by Live Borders, the 18th Annual Scottish Borders Sports Academy covered a number of events including athletics, cycling, football, hockey, rugby, swimming, and tennis.

And a total of 123 youngsters were put through their places this year by regional and national coaches.

Live Borders’ Scottish FA development officer Drew Kelly, who co-ordinated the event, said: "The Academy is a great example of sports development in the Scottish Borders working in partnership with national governing bodies towards the creation of great athletes of the future.

"I look forward to seeing the athletes that have been present this week go on to reach their sporting goals."

The aim of the Academy is to nurture young athletes and help develop their skills to the next level.

And many youngsters who have attended in the past have gone on to enjoy successful careers, such as GB hockey player Sarah Robertson, athlete Chris O'Hare and Team GB swimmer Lucy Hope.

John McBay, Live Borders' sports development manager, thanked all those involved, including the coaching teams, parents, young participants and all the behind the scenes staff who helped to organise the event saying.

He added: “This event doesn’t happen overnight, it takes about seven to eight months of planning.”

At the end of the camp, a Most Valuable Player was picked for each of the seven sports. They were: Evie Renwick (athletics), Callum Dickson (cycling), Ben Garwood (football), Holly Hobbs (hockey), Luke Thompson (rugby), Kelsi James (swimming) and Ivan Burt-Smith (tennis).