AROUND 700 young people across the Borders have completed an initiative to drive safer on our roads.

The Drivewise Borders scheme, which ran for several months earlier this year, involved pupils from Peebles High, to familiarise them with the basic knowledge of driving and road rules, manoeuvring of a vehicle, plus good driving attitudes and habits.

The programme focused on three groups, pre-drivers aged between 14 to 17, young drivers between 17 to 25 and older drivers aged over 65.

Steven Mitchell, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's station manager for the Borders, told Wednesday's Tweeddale Area Forum: "We have successfully complete the Drivewise Borders scheme, which has involved young people from towns and villages across the Borders.

"Going forward, we are exploring options for a mentoring programme to follow on from the scheme."