SCOTTISH Borders Council has received more than 130 applications in the first round of it’s new Localities Bid Fund.

The £500,000 pot was set up to allow residents to apply for cash to improve their communities.

The overall fund is split between five areas – Tweeddale, Berwickshire, Cheviot, Eildon, and Teviot and Liddesdale – with each one allocated a share based on its population.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, executive member for locality services said: “We are very pleased with the level of interest in the Localities Bid Fund.

"It is sometimes difficult to get a new funding stream off the ground but I’m glad people right across the Borders came forward with so many positive ideas that could really benefit and improve their communities.

“The next milestone will see members of the public casting their votes for their preferred projects in February, which I’m sure will generate a great deal of excitement. Unfortunately, not all projects met the criteria to go forward to the voting stage but we’re happy to speak to people involved with these bids to explore other funding avenues.”

More information on the projects selected will be announced in January.