A GALASHIELS-based charity is hoping to be quids in when locals check down the backs of their sofas.

Works+ provide training opportunities for disadvantaged young people from around the region.

Based in the Focus Centre, the organisation has already helped dozens of Borderers between the ages of 16 and 24 into further education and jobs.

Now staff are appealing for everyone to dig down the sides and backs of their sofas and find some old pound coins.

New pound coins were introduced in 2017 with the old, larger coins not being legal tender any more.

But after striking up a deal with Santander, Works+ will benefit from any old pound coins donated in the coming months.

Mark Timmins from Works+ told us: "There are still £144 million in old £1 pound coins in jars, down the back of the sofa, in coat pockets, in the community, which cannot be spent but can be donated to Works+.

"In each of the Santander branches in Galashiels and Hawick, are collection boxes where the old pound coins can be donated and turned into positive destinations for young people from across the Scottish Borders.

"By donating the old £1 coins it will allow us to continue to support and positively help the most isolated and deprived young people from across the Scottish Borders."