THE legacy of a popular policeman is continuing to thrive in Galashiels thanks to a community partnership.

In April last year Police Constable Sean Wright passed away at Borders General Hospital after taking ill at his home.

The respected officer made a significant contribution to policing in the region, particularly through his support of TD1 Youth Hub.

The organisation, which works with youngsters between 10 and 26 years of age, has recently helped to organise three walks in memory of PC Wright.

“While only our community officer for a short time, Police Constable Sean Wright quickly became a regular at our evening drop-ins and created a real impression with our young people,” said Stephanie Anderson, project lead of Stepping Stones, an initiative at the hub which aims to improve the life chances of young people.

“The community walks have been well supported by not only our young people, but also family, friends and former Police Scotland colleagues of Sean, and we look forward to continuing to remember Sean and honour him in ways he would’ve given to our young people.”

PC Wright was at the forefront of a joint effort between the youth hub and Police Scotland with the objective of teaching youngsters new skills.

Ms Anderson added: “Sean fully embraced the partnership working between TD1 Youth Hub and Police Scotland and together, in consultation with the young people, plans were made to offer them opportunities and activities that would bring them new challenges and experiences.

“These conversations and fulfilling these plans remain important to us.”

The walks have attracted 30-40 people each time.

They were led and planned by Dougie Johnston from the Hike & Bike Hub, on Galashiels’ Channel Street.

Mr Johnston said: “Spending many hours and days with Sean in the Army Cadet Force, learning skills in the outdoors, reading maps and using compasses, and then spending much of the following years and decades walking and hiking the hills of Scotland, I am keen that I and the rest of the great team at the Hike & Bike Hub carry on with the worthwhile work that Sean was doing with the members of TD1 Youth Hub.

“The first three walks that Hike & Bike Hub and TD1 have put on has saw between 30 and 40 walkers which is amazing.

“The plan over the next weeks and months is to build on this and to create options for the young people at TD1 to learn skills that will allow them to explore and appreciate the surrounding countryside of Galashiels and beyond.

“We are also exploring how TD1 Youth Hub and Hike & Bike Hub can form a partnership for the annual Galashiels Walking Festival.”