MORE than £85,000 has been awarded to local groups and causes in the Borders this month by the National Lottery.

Across Scotland 219 arts, sports and community projects have shared more than £1.5 million in the latest round of funding.

Community development company The Bridge, who has bases in Galashiels, Peebles and Jedburgh, has been awarded £10,000 towards a replacement minibus.

The vehicle is used for community transport schemes, especially benefitting the elderly and people with mobility issues.

Performers at the Peeblesshire Junior Agricultural Club have been awarded £8,400 to help with their forthcoming shows at the Eastgate Theatre.

The young farmers will use the money to support rehearsals as well as the three performances of their variety concert.

They will also perform at an inter-club cabaret competition in Perth later this year.

People living in Hawick will have the chance to get involved in a unique film project celebrating the town’s rich history after Alchemy Film & Arts was awarded £10,000.

Alchemy production director Rachael Disbury said,” We’re looking forward to working with communities across Hawick to renew, revise and go on to retell the stories of our town.

"This funding allows us to widen access to our events and activities so more local people can get involved.”

The Duns Players have been granted £7,500 towards a week-long festival of events, including drama performances, readings, concerts and creative workshops for all ages.

And the people behind the annual Borders Arts Fair, Borders Arts Development CIC, collected £9,202 to help project images onto Kelso Town Hall as well as hold workshops and children's art competitions.

Gardeners in Chirnside have unearthed £7,219 towards creating 40 allotments in the town.

Allotments 4 Chirnside will also use the money to develop a community garden.

Hawick-based support service FirstLight has been awarded £10,000 to provide a three-month therapy programme for veterans suffering post traumatic stress and other mental health issues.

Three hall committees in the Borders have also scooped cash.

Hutton Village Hall Trust has been given £2,698 to purchase equipment for establishing a film club.

Lothian Hall at Crailing will have two new disabled parking bays created and a new path following an award of £10,000.

And the same amount for the Macfie Hall Committee in Heriot will allow them to upgrade the kitchen facilities.

A National Lottery Awards for All Scotland spokesperson said: “This is National Lottery money making a real impact in communities across the country.

"The 219 groups receiving funding showcases the wide range of projects that can be funded through this programme and the difference that the smallest amounts of money can make.

"We wish them all the best for the year ahead as they begin to put their plans into action.”

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland awards grants of between £300 and £10,000.

To find out how what it could do for your community visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/ or phone 0300 123 7110.