PEEBLESSHIRE'S annual cycling festival TweedLove landed a major industry award last week, fighting off competition from across the country.

And there was further success for the region at the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards ceremony in Aviemore with Manor Valley racer Katy Winton being crowned top Female Rider.

The 22-year-old, who ended the season ranked sixth in the enduro world rankings, beat off three other Borders riders for the trophy.

Isla Short, Lucy Grant and Rebecca Kennedy made up the Top Female shortlist.

The male rider award shortlist was also dominated by Tweed Valley riders - Grant Ferguson, Ruaridh Cunningham and Mark Scott.

But the trio narrowly lost out to the Black Isle’s Greg Williamson.

TweedLove scooped the the Best Event award for 2016.

Event director Neil Dalgleish was delighted with the recognition.

He said: "We’re delighted to win this.

"The award was the result of a public vote, so it shows the impact TweedLove has achieved nationally.

"This success is due to the hard work of so many members of the local community, and we’re all proud to welcome visiting cyclists to the Tweed Valley. "That’s a huge reason why this is the best cycling destination in the UK. I’m proud to accept the award on the Tweed Valley bike community’s behalf.”

The awards are backed by Scottish Cycling, the sport’s governing body, and the presentation dinner formed part of the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference, a major industry event attracting delegates and speakers from around the world.

The rise of the Tweed Valley cycling phenomenon looks set to continue, with some of TweedLove’s 2017 events already over-subscribed, and the level of talent among local young riders rising rapidly.

Mr Dalgleish added: “We’ll be announcing new events and all our 2017 plans very soon.

"We hope to welcome more visitors here than ever and hope lots of people will get involved.

"There will be some casual work opportunities and plenty of ways to play a part in this important success story for the area."