A TIE-UP between a local clothing charity and Borders branches of the Royal Bank of Scotland has been so successful that bosses have opted to continue the partnership into the new year.

In the run up to Christmas the Galashiels, Kelso and Peebles branches of the RBS acted as drop-off points for Tweed Togs.

For the past three years the Tweeddale-based charity has been collecting good-quality children's clothing.

And, via referrals from health visitors, social workers and other organisations, has provided cleaned and ironed clothing packs for struggling families across the area.

Dozens of items were left at the local banks every day in the run-up to Christmas.

And now bosses at the local branches have decided to become permanent partners.

Community banker for the Borders Amanda Baitup said: "Royal Bank of Scotland staff were delighted to be given the chance to help Tweed Togs.

"Most of our colleagues live locally and know the impact Tweed Togs make and staff across the business, including our colleagues at Lombard, were keen to get involved.

“We were also so touched by the generosity of our customers.

As well as using branches as collection points, staff from the RBS also spent an afternoon volunteering at the Tweed Togs depot.

Amanda added: "It was an absolute pleasure to spend an afternoon working with Sandra, Jeanette and Sheena at Tweed Togs."

Other drop-off points for Tweed Toggs include the Tontine Hotel, First Nursery and Fat Face in Peebles, Nashy's Coffee House in Cardrona, the West Linton Early Learners' Group, and the Co-op in Innerleithen.