A little give and take from Rowan Boland Trust

David Boland of the Rowan Boland trust hands over a cheque to disabled swimmer Beth Johnston

The Netherdale men held a Stars in Your Eyes night last year, with a percentage of the money raised from ticket sales handed over to the Trust.

Gala RFC player Dean Keddie - who was part of the Spice Girls on the night - said: “We managed to sell 150 tickets - it was a great night. As well as enjoying ourselves it was good to be able to support the Trust and the good work they are doing.”

The money will go towards supporting young sportspeople in the Borders such as Beth Johnston, who was given £1,000 to assist her continued development.

Gala RFC players, in black shirts, Andy McLean, Dean Keddie and Craig Borthwick hand over the cheque to team-mates and Rowan Boland Trust committee members Al Emond, Kris Mein and Euan Dods (grey jumpers).

The 14-year-old para-swimmer from Galashiels is currently the Scottish National Open Championship 100m backstroke gold medallist in her category.

Beth said: “Many competitions at this level are far from home, from Aberdeen to Stirling to Glasgow to Manchester.

“This includes travel and accommodation costs, while competition swimwear has a short lift and is very expensive at up to £350 per costume.”

David Boland of the Trust said: “We have supported Beth for a number of years and have been delighted to see her progress so well.

David Boland presents a cheque to Matthew Dalgleish

“The Trust’s committee was unanimous in its support for Beth once again.”

Other grant recipients include swimmer Ellenor Gracey from Swinton in Berwickshire who received £200.

The 16-year-old qualified for five national competitions last year and competed in the Scottish Grand Prix series.

Footballer Matthew Dalgleish from Galashiels also picked up a grant of £200.

Swinton swimmer Ellenor Gracey receives a cheque for Â£200 from David Boland on behalf of the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust.

Matthew, who plays for top Edinburgh boys club Hutchison Vale, will use the grant to help towards cost of travelling to Gothenburg in Sweden for the Gothia Youth World Cup, which claims to be the largest football tournament in the world.

Meanwhile, the Trust is turning to the Oscars for the theme its annual Ball, which takes place on Saturday 6 February in the Volunteer Hall.

Anyone who has placed an order for a ticket should arrange payment to Keith Irvine (07773 142226) by Saturday 23 January, otherwise it will be made available to others.