AROUND 800 people attended a festival held in memory of a local mountain biker in Innereleithen.

Organisers are now hoping the event, established as a tribute to international downhill champion Jaymie Mart, will continue to grow each year.

The Jayfest Summer Festival was staged for three days and was a celebration of music, food, crafts and mountain biking.

Staged for the first time last year, the event was set up by friends and colleagues as a memorial to Jaymie who suffered badly from depression and took her own life in 2012.

“This year’s event was busier than last year and there were a lot more families, so we are delighted with the way it went,” said Jaymie’s friend, and one of the main organisers, Emma Guy.

“We had a bit more in terms of entertainment this time and we are hoping the event will grow and grow as a summer festival for Innerleithen. We feel there’s definitely the potential to build on what we have already done. It was quite different from last year and this one was more a celebration of things that Jaymie loved.” There was live music, a vintage fair, children’s activities and food on offer at the festival site at the end of Traquair Road. Several biking champions were there to give skill sessions and guided tours.

“The weather held up well for us - there was hardly any rain. It was a little cooler on Sunday - and that certainly helped our cake sales. Nobody wants to eat cake when it’s too hot,” said Emma.

Helpers at the festival gave up their time for free as the idea was to raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health and grassroots cycling. “We don’t have a final figure from our fundraising yet but the idea is that some will go to SAMH and some will go to support local athletes,” said Emma.