SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) has announced changes to its services over the festive period.

All community recycling centres and waste transfer stations will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as on January 1-2.

Christmas trees can be taken to any community recycling centre for composting, an SBC spokesperson said.

There will be no household waste and recycling collections on December 25 or January 1, with "alternative arrangements" in place.

Some changes to collections on December 26 and January 2 are also in place, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the council's phone lines will be open with reduced hours. Outwith these times, the emergency out-of-hours number 01896 752111 will operate.

Contact centres/library contact centres will be open on limited days between December 23 and January 3.

All public toilets will be closed on December 25-26 and January 1-2.

The SBC spokesperson said: "Members of the public are encouraged to check Scottish Borders Council’s website for changes to services over the festive period.

"Service details and amendments, including to customer advice and support services and waste and recycling collections, can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/festivechanges"