A YOUNG Borders girl is stepping in for Father Christmas this season to buy treats for her furry friends in need.

With four dogs at home, three of which are rescues, nine-year-old Summer Parkhill definitely has a soft spot for her four-legged friends at Arthurshiel Rescue Centre, near St Boswells.

It’s a place she knows well as she regularly volunteers with her mum Kylie [Rankine].

Having previously raised essential funds for the animal rescue, Summer is set to take on a new festive challenge this weekend, just in time for Christmas.

Kylie said: “Summer plans to buy treats and get some nice things in for Christmas time for the dogs.

“I am up at the rescue weekly and Summer comes up on holidays to help too.

“She loves them [dogs].

“We have three rescue dogs at home so she is always around dogs.”

In 2021, Summer walked from her home in Selkirk up to the Three Brethren, now however, she has given herself a bigger task – walking from Selkirk to Galashiels.

Not put off by the potential cold, Summer is driven by her plans to use the money she raises to buy toys and treats for the animals she volunteers with – with the added reward of a Costa Coffee hot chocolate and a McDonald’s meal at the end of her challenge.

At the time of publication Summer has helped to raise £355 of her £400 target for the rescue.

Kylie said: “It’s brilliant how many people have come together.

“This time of year people still dig deep, it’s really heartwarming.”

Summer added: “Thank you so much for all the generous donations.”

Summer, her friend Kyle, and Kylie will all walk from Selkirk to Galashiels on Saturday, December 23.

To donate to Summer's fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/raising-funds-for-arthurshiel-rescue-centre