MORE than 200 pupils attended a special event in Galashiels during Book Week Scotland.

The event, held at the MacArts Centre, saw primary three pupils from Balmoral, Burgh, Clovenfords, Glendinning, St Margaret's, St Peter's, Stow, and Tweedbank primaries enjoy performances by award-winning children's authors Alan Windram and Vivian French.

The event was organised by equality charity Nil by Mouth, with funding from Book Week Scotland and support from Morgan Sindall, which is currently undertaking building work at Galashiels Fire Station.

The Hayward Sanderson Trust also provided a grant to cover the venue costs for the day-long event, ensuring that the children could experience a professional book event.

Book Week Scotland, now in its thirteenth year, is an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place across the country in November.

Together with Scottish Book Trust's curated programme, partners deliver hundreds of unique events and activities that celebrate the 'transformative power' of reading.

They are joined in this celebration by Scotland’s authors, poets, playwrights, storytellers and illustrators to bring a programme of events and projects to life.

Dave Scott, Nil by Mouth director, said: "This was a really joyous event to be involved with and the children really got into the spirit of the occasion, encouraged by the wonderful MacArts staff who provided first class sound and lighting throughout.

"It was brilliant to have the support of the Scottish Book Trust, Morgan Sindall and the Hayward Sanderson Trust to really give the children a day to remember.

"It’s very important that kids in areas like the Borders get the chance to attend this type of event and see people like Alan who have come from their area make such a success of their literary careers.

"It was also great to have a couple of the schools ask us to come and speak to classes about our equalities work and the importance of valuing everyone in their community.

"I hope this encourages schools to consider similar events next year and we can keep the magic of book week going."