A SUCCESSFUL business couple from Peebles celebrated St Andrew's Day last week by helping open the London Stock Exchange.

David and Ruth Hinks were invited to the Market Open ceremony last Thursday along with local MP David Mundell.

It is traditional for celebrated Scots to be invited to Paternoster Square on St Andrew's Day.

Mr and Mrs Hinks, who run Cocoa Black, were welcomed to the exchange at 7.30am.

Along with the Secretary of State for Scotland, they were escorted to the ceremony's VIP suite.

And, in time-honoured tradition, they witnessed the famous countdown to opening at 8am from the guest's balcony.

Mr Hinks told us: “It is a great honour to attend the St Andrew’s Day opening of the London Stock Exchange and a pleasure to meet so many inspiring Scots.”