AN urgent appeal has been made to preserve the future of Walkerburn's summer festival.

The week-long celebration has been one of the highlights in the village's calendar for decades.

But a recent downturn in support, numbers of volunteers and event sponsorship has led to an SOS being issued for help.

Summer Festival secretary Martha Gibson told us: "There is a real danger that the Festival won't be able to continue in the future.

"There are a lot of people living in and around Walkerburn, and it would be a shame if the Festival was to stop through lack of support."

This year's Festival Lass is Kaydan Hunter and the Essay Winner is Kayleigh Zokas.

The two Principals will take part in the Festival's opening events on Sunday, June 23 - the annual Church Service and War Memorial Service.

And throughout a busy week they will also be involved in the many Festival events, which include sporting competitions, fancy dress parades and the Family Day.

But with costs rising - Friday night's fireworks display alone now costs £1500 - and income dropping, the future of the Festival is now in doubt.

Last month's fundraising coffee morning raised £300 for the celebrations.

But ongoing fundraising for staging the events is down on previous years, and sponsorship has also fallen.

Ms Gibson added: "For the Festival to continue we need people and businesses to get behind it.

"Our committee has also lost several members and we need to replace them.

"Any offer of help would be gratefully received, whether it is through sponsorship, helping at events, joining the organising committee or even just buying raffle tickets and coming along to support the events."

For further details on helping Walkerburn Summer Festival contact Ms Gibson on 07917432072.