The Melrose Music Festival has garnered recognition from the BBC and eminent Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan.

The Sunday Worship programme on Radio 4 will broadcast a special Choral Evensong service from the festival which takes place in the Scottish Borders town.

The service allows local singers and music fans to become part of the festival, which will take place from September 7 to 15 and will close with the Choral Evensong service.

Reverend Philip Blackledge said: "Music is essential to making all our lives better.

"This service is a celebration of that, because where words fail, music begins.

(Image: Phil Wilkinson)

"We will be choosing some well-loved and uplifting songs and music that everyone can enjoy together."

Sir James MacMillan, renowned Scottish composer, praised the festival for its cultural role.

He said: "A festival like Melrose brings focus to what the community needs from music.

"It’s an indispensable part of our culture, and a festival draws attention by bringing some of the best musicians in the area and from elsewhere to work with local musical groups."

The Choral Evensong service will take place at Melrose's Holy Trinity Church on September 15 at 6.30pm.

Highlights from it will be broadcast on Radio 4 on September 22 at 8.10am.

(Image: Phil Wilkinson)

Attendees are encouraged to be seated by 6.15pm for smooth service recording.

For more information and tickets, visit www.melrosemusicfestival.co.uk.

Now in its eighth year, the Melrose Music Festival continues to be a cultural hub in the Scottish Borders.

Robert Marshall, the festival’s artistic director and conductor of the Borders Chamber Orchestra, said: “We are thrilled with the incredible lineup this year, and we encourage everyone to book their tickets and head to the website to explore what’s on offer.

“From classical masterpieces to jazz, and everything in between, the festival promises to be a celebration of music that everyone can enjoy."