A SUMMER camp for children with additional needs has been hailed a huge success.

The Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) teamed up with Live Borders to host five days of fun and adventure at the Leader Valley School in Earlston.

An inaugural camp was held last year over three days.

But thanks to funding from Cash for Kids and Tesco's Bags for Life, the 2019 camp was extended - with more than 50 children enjoying the activities.

And hopes are high that next year's will be even bigger.

Pauline Charles from BANG told us: “Throughout my years of experience, I never expected the camp to be as good as this.

"We’ve had 310 people through our doors and over 50 children.

"We have young carers, parent carers, siblings, grandparents, foster carers – it’s been overwhelming.

“Live Borders staff and BANG will evaluate this project, look at worked well, and what we can improve and start to redesign 2020’s respite camp."

Cash for Kids donated £3,000 towards the camp with £1,200 coming from Tesco's.

Plans are already taking shape for more camps throughout 2020.

Pauline added: "Parents have been asking for Easter, Summer and October camps.

"I’m working now with another charity to develop a bigger project next year.

“We were very privileged to be able to use Leader Valley School and that’s down to the relationship with SBC.

"The environment and the school ‘make’ the project. It provides a safe environment.”

All of the children were given the opportunity to take part in sporting activities, music and art projects.

And it was also a chance for parents and carers to relax.

Sports Development Manager from Live Borders, John McBay said: "It’s been action-packed for the children, but above all, it’s been about fun and the children feeling very safe.

“The parents are the critical bit - they often get missed in families where additional needs are required.

"We have to make sure that mum and dad have the opportunity just to chill out and relax.

“The parents have all got together and been chatting and thought this has been a great outlet for them.

"They have all learnt from each other about some of the challenges they face at home and different copping strategies.

“We would love to do this on a more regular basis and not just the holidays.”