A PEEBLESSHIRE author's passion for India has been rewarded with a prestigious award at Westminster.

Aline Dobbie was presented with the Art & Culture award during the annual Indian Awards within The Houses of Parliament.

The grandmother, who was born in India, has written four inspiring books about the Indian sub-continent - The Tiger's Roar, The Elephant's Blessing, The Peacock's Call and Quicklook at India.

She has also written and edited many magazine and website articles.

Aline, who can speak Hindi, is no stranger to awards having been presented with The Pride of India Award in 2006.

Following this week's ceremony in London she told us: "The India Business Group is the body behind these awards that recognise those of us who are positively contributing to the UK and India relationship, which is of vital importance to us here in Scotland.

"The Scottish Government also is trying very hard to make way in India and I am in touch with people like John Swinney who is tasked with that commitment.

"Baroness Scotland spoke of the importance of the Commonwealth during the awards dinner, and spreading a sense of friendship and affection through her project Peace at the Crease - just as The Cricket World Cup was starting in London.

"I had a very good chat with her, the High Commissioner Ruchi Ghanashyam of India, and Lord Patel amongst others others.

"It was a privilege to be in such company and a great honour to be given the award."

Aline is currently working on a fifth book on her native India.