A mountain rescue team will set up a new base at a former fire station in the Borders after taking ownership of the building.

Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue has assumed control of the old Fire Station in Melrose.

The site has been empty for a number of years after the decision was taken to provide cover from Galashiels.

The mountain rescue team made a joint bid with the first aid charity St John to convert the disused station into its base and training centre.

The group was originally based in Galashiels but has operated out of Selkirk for the last 25 years.

It has around 40 volunteers who provide assistance to the emergency services.

The move to the Melrose site will provide a building which encompasses a multi-vehicle garage, administration facilities, a training room and welfare area.

Pete Matthews, Tweed Valley MRT Team Leader, said the team was "delighted" to take possession of the former fire station.

He said: "The building will be a fantastic asset for the team and greatly enhance the capacity of our volunteers to assist those in need.

"We believe this is a great opportunity to promote the work done by both of our organisations in serving our communities."

Major General Mark Strudwick, Prior of St John Scotland, said the base would "significantly enhance the team's ability to train for and respond to rescue operations in the Borders area and more widely as required".