IT is one of the hardest working and most generous organisations in the area.

And last week members of the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants Club were told that they were in good financial health.

A total of 42 members attended the AGM where the Sandy Craig was elected President, Craig Lusk as Chief Callant and Andrew Williamson as Vice Chief Callant.

Keith Brunton, Dougie Millar and Arthur Crittell were re-elected as council members where they will join Hendry White, Russell Copeland, Alan MacKenzie, Ross Falla, Peter Blaikie, David Elder and Adrian Swanston during 2017/18.

The AGM was told that five new members had joined during the previous 12 months - bringing membership up to over170.

In his report to the AGM secretary Kenny Wilson reported that the club had continued to support a variety of Peebles events and organisations during 2016/17.

They had also raised concerns about local issues and continued to make a difference to the quality of community life for those who live in Peebles and its visitors.

Treasurer John Falla reported that the club's bank balance was in a healthy state.

He also noted that the club's busy social events calendar had more than covered their costs with surplus money added to club funds.

Many representatives from outside bodies paid tribute to the support offered by the Callants.

On behalf of Peebles Beltane Festival Committee, Keith Brunton thanked them for their continued support.

This was endorsed by Ian Ronaldson for the Ex Cornets' Association, whilst Beltane Children's Sports Convenor Gus Tait congratulated the Callants for continuing to pay for the ice cream - in 2016 over 650 Children had taken part.

Douglas Wright, the Old Folks Treat Convenor said that the Callants' financial contribution was greatly appreciated.

And David Elder passed on the thanks of Peebles Christmas Lights Association for the support from Callants volunteers in putting up and taking down the displays and for paying the electricity bill.

Chief Callant Craig Lusk said that he believed the Club was currently in a strong position with over 170 members and a healthy balance of funds. He reported on several projects which had been carried out, including planting bulbs and repairs to footpaths in Hay Lodge Park and the pre Beltane Street tidy-up. He thanked those Callants who had given their time so generously and hoped the regulars would get more support from other members this year.

The meeting ended with information being shared about forthcoming projects.

John Falla has identified tree planting opportunities around Kingsland School and was co-ordinating sources for planting later this year.

He also unveiled plans for repainting the metalwork on The Viaduct Bridge.

A fundraising event will take place in the Ex Servicemen's Club on Saturday, May 6 and he hopes members will provide their support.

Russell Copeland explained that it was opportune to consider a follow up to the very successful "Peebles and its People" book and was exploring the possibilities of this with more information to follow.

The Chief Callant asked for any other ideas for projects and those suggested will be considered at the next Callants Council meeting. He

thanked everyone for attending and looked forward to an interesting final year in office