A GALASHIELS gift shop has raised almost £1,400 to help families living with dementia face the future with confidence.

Honey Be Bright, in Bank Street, has been selling specially-designed Forget Me Not tea towels with all proceeds going to the Dementia UK charity.

The blue design, which incorporates the forget me not flower that represents remembrance and is long associated with dementia, was created by shop owner Melissa Learmonth as a tribute to her grandfather Joe Dickson who was diagnosed with the condition last year and sadly passed away last week aged 84.

Melissa said: “I can't believe how much we have raised since we first launched our design in May.

“The first batch of 100 sold out in the first weekend at the Heartfelt Market and since then we have sold another 200, mainly from the shop.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers for their overwhelming support. 

“My Grampa was always  proud of my business and when he found about the tea towels he said that he would really like to be part of it.

“We only have one left in stock but will be ordering more in the new year.

“I’d also like to thank Magic Textiles Uk for printing and manufacturing our forget me not design so professionally and getting the perfect shades of blue so vibrant.

“Earlier this month we donated £541.95 to Dementia UK which brings our grand total so far to £1396.30.”

Former BT engineer Joe  enjoyed a lifelong connection with Gala YM and on Boxing Day his efforts over the years were recognised by the club who named the Players Lounge after him.

Melissa added: “Grampa lived and breathed Gala YM and his face lit up when he heard the news.”