VOLUNTEERS in Tweedbank have praised residents for "pulling together" during the coronavirus pandemic.

The lead co-ordinator of the newly formed resilience group says members have successfully helped with a range of tasks in the village.

Ryan Notman said: "Those we have helped have been very thankful that we have been there."

Tweedbank Resilience Group carries out requests assigned by Scottish Borders Council's community assistance hub, according to Mr Notman, but residents are also welcome to call the group's freephone number.

With a 10-person committee and around 40 volunteers, the group has been able to offer a wide range of services.

"These may include things such as picking up and delivering food parcels, prescriptions and assisting the elderly or those shielding due to COVID-19," said Mr Notman, adding that volunteers can also "just be there for a chat".

Tweedbank Resilience Group was formed at the beginning of the virus crisis.

It emerged from earlier plans by Mr Notman and Rick Crew to create a similar group in the wake of the 'Beast from the East' in 2018.

Mr Notman said residents have responded well to the resilience group.

He said: "Those we have helped have been very thankful that we have been there to help, and the wider community helped massively in helping us set up a food share scheme where we asked for food donations so we could help those in need.

"The community know where we are and that we are there to help with anything we can.

"We will keep the group active for as long as the current situation continues and after we will continue to forge links and help our community in other times of need such as bad weather."

Mr Notman, who works as a wind turbine service technician and is also a member of Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team, added: "It was a bit hectic at the start juggling work and making sure that we set everything up so we could hit the ground running when we went live and the requests started coming in, but we have a great team of volunteers which has been a great asset."

He also said that, although it has been a worrying time, the community has "pulled together and we will help to beat this awful virus and keep safe".

To contact Tweedbank Resilience Group, you can visit its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Tweedbank-Resilience-Group-101381271511344/