HIS first job included delivering the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News as a local schoolboy, juggling three paper rounds, 20 years ago.

The former Galashiels Academy pupil then went on to write for both titles, covering local football and rugby matches, as well as penning his own music column for the papers, while studying journalism at Borders College in Hawick.

And he officially began his career as a trainee reporter at our old offices in the High Street, Galashiels, in May 2001 - after being named one of the best young journalism students in Scotland.

Now, this week, after more than a decade of writing for both local and national newspapers up and down the country, Ally McGilvray, from Galashiels, has been appointed Editor of the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News.

The 32-year-old, who rejoined the papers as a Senior Reporter in February 2008 following moves to Wick, Aberdeen and Alloa, replaces Stuart Laundy who has left the company to be closer to family in England.

He will be supported by News Editor David Knox, Galashiels-based reporter Alan Ferguson and Peebles-based reporter Graham Ford.

Ally, who has previously written for titles such as The Sun, Scotsman and Daily Mail, said: "I am delighted to be appointed Editor of my hometown paper the Border Telegraph and its sister title the Peeblesshire News.

"Having grown up with both titles, I am well aware of their proud past and, with an all local news team, look forward to continuing to provide a voice for the various local communities we represent."