A BORDERS back-to-work service is throwing a party next month after helping more than 40 youngsters into employment and further education.

Works + was set up in April following the collapse of Tomorrow's People.

Three of the national organisation's local employment workers, based in Galashiels, decided to go it alone following the closure.

And in their first six months Grant Pringle, Mark Timmins and Scott Wight have exceeded all expectations by helping 44 young people, aged between 16 and 24, find jobs or full-time training courses.

To celebrate - and raise awareness of their services - the trio are hosting a celebration at MacArts next month.

Grant told us: "With unemployment levels in this age range rising by 11 percent in the last 12 months there is undoubtedly a demand for the unique service Works+ provides and the initial aim was for us to support 50 young people during the first 12 months.

"However, the first six months has been so successful we are delighted to confirm that 44 young people have already progressed into employment, education or training with a further eight young people currently attending a ten-week block which they will complete before Christmas.

"At this rate of success, the target for the year could be met within six months."

Works+ adopts a unique model where participants attend three days each week to undertake a busy schedule of activities and exercises to promote teamwork, increased confidence, improved social skills and general wellbeing.

When combined with CV and interview workshops, the young people are then more able to find and sustain employment, training or return to education.

On Thursday, December 5 Works+ will be hosting an event at MacArts, where they will show a selection of short films illustrating their creative and varied working methods.

Staff will also be discussing how they work in partnership with local businesses and organisations to achieve their impressive results.

Scott told us: "Works+ was set up in the Scottish Borders to support local young people and, for this to continue, we need to raise awareness of our work and build on the support we already receive from the community.

"We have enjoyed tremendous success thus far and are very keen to build on this through 2019 and beyond.

“Everyone knows someone who would benefit from our support, and this event is an informal opportunity to find out how we can help, or even how you could become more involved in our continuing success.”

The free event runs from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, December 5 at MacArts.