WITH more than half a millennium of working years between, some of the region's longest-serving farm industry workers were honoured last week.

Every two years the Border Union Agricultural Society hosts a ceremony to reward the dedication and loyalty of the region's rural workforce.

A total of 14 employees, who have racked up a combined total of 575 working years between them, were presented with medals and certificates.

This year’s event was hosted by Society chairman Ian Fleming at Springwood Park near Kelso.

Jimmy Mole and his son, Neil, were rewarded for a combined 100 years of service to Ford & Etal Estate - Jimmy has achieved 58 years while Neil has 42 years.

Alexander Thomson from Cortleferry near Stow and George Anderson of Grindon Farm, Berwick on Tweed, have both chalked up 51 years of service for their employers.

And there were also awards for Alan Henderson from Lauder, who has worked for Campbells of Oxton since 1970, and Kelso's Brian Wilson who has been at Kelso Tractors and then Lloyd for more than 40 years.

The Awards were presented for the first time by His Grace the 11th Duke of Roxburghe.

Kate Rowell, chair of Quality Meat Scotland, proposed the Toast to the Medallists.

This year's recipients -

Alexander Thompson Cortleferry, Stow 51

George Anderson Grindon Farm, Berwick upon Tweed 51

Alan Henderson J & G Campbell, Oxton 49

Brian Wilson Lloyd Ltd Tractors, Kelso 42

Neil Mole Ford & Etal Estates: RHS 41

Robert Johnstone Runningburn, Stitchill 41

George Skeldon Crailing Tofts, Kelso 40

Brian Hope Crailinghall, Jedburgh 40

Colin Anderson Grindon Farm, Berwick upon Tweed 35

William Hill J & G Campbell, Oxton 34

Kenneth Anderson Cortleferry, Stow 32

Neil Edmondson Ford & Etal Estates: RFS 31

Andrew Thoms Windywalls, Kelso 30

Joint Certificate

Jimmy and Neil Mole for 100 years combined service to Ford and Etal Estates