Bob Kerr's call for volunteers came after the formation of the Selkirk Community Flood Response Group at an emergency meeting held in the Selkirk RFC clubrooms last week.

It was an appropriate venue as the pitch and changing rooms had been flooded the previous week after yet another breach of the notoriously fast-flowing Long Philip Burn.

The area around the Ettrick Water will be split into four areas: The rugby club/ Ettrickhaugh Road; Linglie Road; Mid-Bannerfield, including Bridge Street, Cannon Street and Corbie Terrace; and the south side of the river from Dunsdale Road to Baxters.

Each area will have it's own co-ordinators: Alan Seal, Alex Beaton, John Howie and Gordon Edgar respectively, while Mr Beaton will assume the role of overall co-ordinator and be the first point of contact for emergency services and Scottish Borders Council, when a flood warning is issued.

He will alert his fellow co-ordinators, who will then mobilise volunteers to inform residents and distribute sandbags. Local knowledge will allow them to offer specific and practical flood protection and support to vulnerable residents, including the elderly, frail and disabled.

"We already have a small number of volunteers, but we need more help in each of the four areas," said Mr Kerr.

"Anyone who feels they can help us to help others to reduce the risk of flood devastation, should contact me or any of the co-ordinators. The more volunteers who come forward, the more successful the group can be.

"Once that is achieved, a meeting can be arranged with the emergency team from SBC who will provide all the training and equipment required.

"It is worth noting that such community-led response groups have already been established in other Borders towns, notably and successfully in Hawick."

Mr Kerr said there was a general perception that because people paid council tax, it was up to the "Cooncil" to protect their homes.

"This is simply not the case and SBC and housing associations have no such legal obligation. The truth is it is up to us as individuals to protect our property, regardless of whether it is private or rented.

"As a community we must have the spirit to help each other."

Anyone interested should contact Mr Kerr on 722658.