THREE GP practices in Tweeddale will be open on Saturday mornings over the next four weeks.

The decision has been taken by NHS Borders to help meet the increased need for appointments as a result of high levels of winter illness.

Now St Ronan's Medical Practice in Innerleithen, as well as Neidpath Medical Practice and Tweed Medical Practice in Peebles; will be open from 9am until 1pm from this Saturday, until February 10.

Dr Cliff Sharp, medical director at NHS Borders said: “We are working closely with our GP colleagues to respond to the increased need for GP appointments.

“These additional opening hours will help meet the high level of requests for a GP appointment and address the difficulty that some patients are experiencing in getting a GP appointment.

"We want to ensure that our GPs can see the patients where only a GP can help and would like to remind everyone of the wide range of NHS services that are available to provide appropriate treatment and care including expert advice from your local community pharmacist and NHS Inform – www.nhsinform.scot – to help with self care for illness such as colds, coughs, sore throats and viruses."