Radio Borders is launching its campaign to support the Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge.

At an event at Melrose on Monday 1 March Faces for Radio (the presenters) and Ladies and the Tramps (station sales staff) were joined by local soldiers, Lance Corporal Graeme Tait and Sergeant Mick Fullbrook, to encourage Borderers to get involved in the challenge.

Captain of Ladies and the Tramps and Station Director at Radio Borders is Lynsey Graham, who said: “Radio Borders covered the event on air last year. It seemed like a really good fun day out with lots of camaraderie and banter so we decided to get fully behind it this year and take part to experience the fun for ourselves.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as possible for these two worthwhile charities and will have lots of information on our website about the teams’ progress. We hope local people will get behind the event too and either sign up or support Radio Borders!”

Lance Corporal Tait said: “This is an excellent event and helps a charity close to our hearts. Our detachment raised £700 in sponsorship last year and we are aiming even higher this year. The boys are looking forward to the challenge and having a great day out.”

Melrose RFC, known worldwide as the home of the Sevens, is to support the Hearts & Heroes Challenge, with a number of initiatives planned to mark the Club’s respect for the bravery and sacrifice of Service personnel.

The 127th staging of the Mathon Melrose Sevens (9th-10th April) will also see an Army team entered into the main competition, with a range of fundraising events also planned.

There is also a special limited-edition strip, which will also be available to the general public on a first-come basis – with the Club making a donation to Poppyscotland for each jersey sold.

Club President Mike Dalgetty said that: “Everyone is immensely proud of the young men and women who are bravely serving their country and as a Club we wanted to do something to show our support.”

To find out more visit www.melrose7s.com

Scotland club international players, John Dalziel and Scott Wight, both from Melrose, join Lance Corporal Graeme Tait from 1 SCOTS and Private Niall Cameron from 6 SCOTS at Netherdale, Galashiels, to promote the Hearts & Heroes Challenge, which takes place in the picturesque Borders.