MULTI-sports stars from the region came out on top at the recent Scottish East regional giant heptathlon finals.

A total of eight schools from the Lothians and Borders qualified for the competition at the Jack Kane Centre in Edinburgh.

But it was the two finalists from the Borders who took gold and silver.

Peebles High emerged from the competition, which involved a 40 metre sprint, 40 metres hurdles, step-up challenge, standing long jump, standing triple jump, shot put, and an endurance challenge, with first place.

And they were closely followed by Earlston High.

Active schools co-ordinator Gemma Ross told us: "For two Borders teams to go to the East Regional Finals for the first time, and to come home with the top two spots, is just fantastic.

“Pupils from both schools were a credit to themselves and their schools.

"The determination and camaraderie they demonstrated on the day was amazing to see.”

Scores from the 14-strong Peebles team have now been entered into a national league table.

And in the coming weeks they will find out if they have beaten the winners from the Grampian, Tayside and Fife, Central and West regional championships.

Peebles and Earlston earned their place at the Jack Kane Centre by beating other schools during the Borders Secondary Giant Heptathlon, which was organised and hosted by Live Borders in January.

Each of the 14 team members - seven boys and seven girls - must take part in all of the disciplines.

Gemma added: "I would like to thank Earlston, Peebles and Gala Academy PE staff for buying in to the Border Giant Heptathlon idea earlier this year and for giving Active Schools the opportunity to pilot the event for the first time.

"Had it not been for this, we would not have been competing in the East Regional Finals and wouldn’t be celebrating this double success.”

Peebles High PE teacher Susan Hunter is already a big fan of the new sporting format.

She said: "The event was so well organised, and the pupils loved it."