ACTIVISTS are holding a Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest in a Borders town today (Friday, June 26).

Anti-racism artwork will be placed around Peebles, according to organisers.

Katy Swift, 31, said: "It’s a peaceful action to show our solidarity with our black brothers and sisters across the world and in the UK.”

Participants, who met outside the Old Parish Church at 1pm, plan to hang up artwork next to the old police station.

They will also place cut-out shapes beside the post office, while inviting residents to write messages of support on the designs.

"We want to amplify the voices of black and people of colour in the town, and help them to tell their stories,” said Ms Swift, an artist, who organised the event with Catriona Hamilton. It is Peebles' first BLM protest.

The activists have been praised by 22-year-old Hannah Alkashmim, who earlier this month shared her family’s experience of racism in the Borders.

Ms Alkashmim said: "I am really passionate about the BLM movement and feel this is such a supportive and positive act shown by the people organising in Peebles.

"I hope it will encourage more people to get involved and speak out against racism and the injustice so many face."

The latest BLM protests, happening across the world, were sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA.

Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died while a police officer pressed a knee against Mr Floyd’s neck on May 25.