PLANS to welcome five Afghan families to the region are at an "advanced stage", according to Scottish Borders Council.

Last month, leader Shona Haslam said the area was ready to "do its bit" to accommodate refugees who fled Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover.

Now the local authority has confirmed it expects to see "up to five" families arrive "in the coming weeks".

Welcoming the news, Euan Jardine, the council's executive member for wellness, sport and culture, said: "My late brother Malcolm Jardine was the director of the British Council in Afghanistan in the early 2000s and helped to deliver education and culture to many that had been deprived it for years.

"He always spoke passionately about the kindness shown by those he encountered in Afghanistan.

"So I welcome the families coming across to the Scottish Borders and I hope the kindness of borders people resonates with them as they settle into our region."

At least 60 families and a further 73 individuals have either arrived or are expected in Scotland under the resettlement programme.

After completing five years in the country, they can apply for permanent residence in the UK.

People who are relocated under the scheme will be supported for a four-month period by the local authority who will meet the families at the arrival airport.

Scottish Borders Council, which welcomed 10 Syrian families in 2015, says it has been in regular contact with the Home Office and CoSLA on the issue.

Councillor Robin Tatler, executive member for community development and localities, says a number of constituents have contacted him offering help.

He said: "It’s great news that we are able to do something to help.

"I’ve had emails from local people offering their homes and clothes so I think it’s tremendous that we can accommodate these families.

"And I know the Scottish Borders people will make them feel welcome as they did with the Syrian families who arrived a few years ago and are now integral to the community.”

A welcome pack has been designed for arrivals to welcome them to the UK and provide them with information to establish their new lives here.

It will provide information about temporary housing, help with school admissions and registering with a doctor.