ONE of Scotland's youngest theatre companies has bagged a financial boost from the local Co-op.

Walkerburn-based Oyster Theatre was awarded £500 from the Co-op's Local Fund following a recent in-store competition.

Members of the store were invited to vote for their worthiest cause.

And following last week's count, the Oyster Theatre was presented with the first prize.

The British Red Cross and The Prince's Trust both shared £250 runners-up prizes.

Kinta Lindsay from Oyster Theatre is delighted with the award. She said: "We would like to thank the local community for supporting us in the competition.

"At the moment we borrow almost everything we need to put on our productions.

"This money will allow us to buy some equipment for ourselves, although we're not sure what just yet."

Oyster Theatre was founded four years' ago by director and choreographer Sue Tickner along with the help of producer Ms Lindsay.

With a cast and crew membership of around 20 adults and children, the company has so far staged four pantomimes - Alice in Wonderland, the Wizard of Oz, Snow White and Aladdin - as well as a spring production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The company, which remains open to new members, has thrived in its endeavour to attract and encourage its young cast ever since the opening night.

With a 2016 pantomime still to organise and a Walkerburn Summer Festival production in the wings, it is going to be a busy year for the fledgling drama group.

Kinta added: "We are still considering what our panto will be this year and we're also looking at a show to coincide with the village festival.

"We'll also involve the cast in a few fundraisers throughout the year, so it will be a busy time for us all."

The Co-op's Local Fund is financed from the sale of plastic bags.

After the government's legislation put a stop to freebies The Co-operative Group decided to make good use of the extra cash and put up regional prizes for good causes.

Members of the Oyster Theatre collected their prize last week at the Innerleithen Co-op.