FOLLOWING its recent Annual General Meeting Borders Sport & Leisure has announced the appointment of David Ferguson as Chairman and Graham Capper as Vice Chairman of the organisation's Board.

Both members are looking forward to playing an active role in driving Borders Sport and Leisure forward.

Amongst the Trust's growing portfolio of facilities are Peebles Swimming Pool and the Gytes Leisure Centre.

Chairman, David Ferguson told the Peeblesshire News: "This is a very exciting time for sport and leisure in the Borders and myself and Graham are honoured to have been asked to lead the board of the Trust.

"We have a strong board full of leaders, creative thinkers with terrific business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, and a committed, enthusiastic staff, and that is crucial to taking sport and leisure forward."

David Ferguson, a sports journalist with The Scotsman, has been a member of the Trust board since 2006 and vice-chair for the past three years.

He took over the role of Chairman from Tony Taylor who stepped down from the post but will remain an active Board member. Graham Capper, a Chartered Surveyor and athletics coach for the last ten years, replaces David as Vice-Chair.

Vice-Chariman, Graham Capper added: "The facilities across the Borders provide a fundamental backbone to Borders life, but it takes a lot of hard work, building of good relationships, creative thinking and funding to make them viable and developing.

"We are committed to strengthening that backbone, but we need the help of the Borders communities and everyone who values swimming pools, gyms, fitness centres, pitches and all other aspects of sport and leisure."

Borders Sport and Leisure Trust was founded in 2003 and is responsible for running many of the sports and leisure facilities and programmes in the region including the sports development and Active Schools programmes.

The organisation has charitable status and Board members receive no financial remuneration.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of the Trust commented: "In many ways there is a feeling of a new era for the Trust and sport and leisure in the Borders and after tremendous leadership and dedication from Tony we are in a good place to move forward with new faces at the board helm.

"The directors remain pivotal to the success of Borders Sport and Leisure and we value the close relationship and guidance we have. David and Graham know the work of the Trust inside out and have great enthusiasm for helping us to drive forward over the coming years."