A PEEBLES-based social enterprise is calling on locals to vote for them to help secure extra funding.

The Food Foundation is one of only 12 projects across Scotland, and the only one in the Borders, to have been shortlisted for funding support from the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Skills and Opportunities Fund.

Now the charity is calling on the local community for votes to support their application.

Based at the Victoria Park Centre, the social enterprise provides catering for elderly residents and opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the employment market. Staff also work to develop the skills and confidence of those who normally find it difficult to gain employment.

In order to do this, they ensure that students are provided with accredited training, personal development and a number of work opportunities.

Operational manager Yvonne MacLaren said: “We’d like to establish Food Foundation Favourites, bringing a range of preserved products to market. Our existing students and volunteers will design, create, cook, test, market and sell a range of preserved Food Foundation products in our kitchen.

“Working in teams, our students will tackle different parts of the project and complete complementary online training courses in relevant enterprise and business subjects.

“The project will support the work of the Food Foundation, give us an extra income stream, and enable those who take part to gain valuable work and life-skills experience.”

The deadline for voting closes on Friday, April 20, and the results will be announced Friday, May 25.

To cast a vote, go to: skillsandopportunitiesfund.rbs.com/vote