MORE than a dozen hard-working volunteers from across the Borders were rewarded for their continued efforts at a celebration on Friday.

The Royal Voluntary Service long service awards and thank you tea took place at Netherdale in Galashiels.

Every day countless volunteers help prop up the 13 different social centres across the Scottish Borders.

And almost as many get behind the wheel for driving duties on the RVS transport service.

On Friday, 14 of them were presented with 10-year and 20-year badges, as well as 15-year medals.

And Kay Brownley, who is one of the longest serving volunteers ever in the Borders, was presented with her 45-year clasp.

Douglas Aitken, services manager from Royal Voluntary Service, told us: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to formally thank our volunteers in the Scottish Borders.

"It’s a great opportunity to highlight the role they play giving their time so generously to support older people.

"The work that they do is essential to making sure the lives of older people are enriched and that they are better connected to others and their communities.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you for their incredible work.”

During Friday's event within the clubrooms of Gala Rugby Club, there were short safety presentations by Scottish Gas Network, the fire and rescue service, and the police.

As well as Ms Brownley collecting her 45-year clasp, 15-year medals were presented to Christine Gamely and Tom Cairney.

Valerie Watson and Helen Young both received 20-year badges.

Ten-year badges were presented to Kathleen Etchells, Tom Dean, Jackie Dun, Margaret Campbell, Margaret Rourke, Christine Hall, Jessica Troughton, Nan Collin and Caroline Nelson.

Anna Beattie, deputy service manager with the Royal Voluntary Service, added: "The event provides us witht he opportunity to say a big thank you to all the volunteers throughout the Borders for their work with us."