WITH just days to go until one of the most important dates in the Peebles rugby calendar the recovery from the recent floods is almost done.

The Gytes ground was left devastated at the turn of the year as the Tweed burst its banks on two occasions.

But the Rotary Club of Peebles stepped in to help with funding for a new surrounding fence in time for the annual sevens.

A Scotland-wide Rotary appeal managed to secure funds to provide the local Rotary clubs in the Borders, as well as other clubs whose communities had suffered during the floods, with the much needed resources.

Some of the cash was directed to Peebles Rugby Club who were faced with the costs of replacing fencing destroyed when flood water swept over the Gytes ground, reeking destruction that affected many of the low lying parts of the town.

Rotary Club President Jim Robertson recently handed over the cheque. He said: "We have always looked at ways to support local groups and clubs in the town and this donation shows how effective Rotary in the UK can be when it collaborates in a common cause, such as reacting to natural disasters at home and abroad.

"We hope that this grant will make a difference and allow the local rugby club to bounce back from this incident.”

The rugby club has been working hard to have the new fencing in place ahead of Sunday.

Teams from across the Borders as well as a side from Latvia will compete for the Captain's Rose Bowl

Peebles President Robert Hogarth was delighted with the Rotary contribution. He told us: "The offer of support from the Rotary Club of Peebles came out of the blue and really has helped us in recovering from what was one of the worst floods in recent years.

"It is not often that a club like ourselves gets support from a local organisation such as the Rotary and the money has really made a difference in our recovery.”