Border Appeal News

The body of a man found in woodland two years ago still hasn't been identified, despite worldwide enquiries.

His remains were discovered near Canonbie in Dumfries and Galloway, but little more is known about him.

The police have always thought he could be Italian, or have links to Europe, but inquiries across the continent have drawn a blank.

Detectives here though haven't given up hope of solving the mystery of who he is and why he died.

Matthew Taylor reports:

• UK
• Body found
• Appeal

There's an appeal for more First Responders in the Scottish Borders.

Their job is to help with emergencies until the ambulance service arrives.

A new group has just been formed in the Peebles area and they're looking for more members, especially in the run up to Christmas.

Hannah McNulty reports:

• UK
• First responders
• Scottish Borders

Hannah McNulty spoke to a couple of locals who explained why they volunteer as first responders.

Featured in the video are postman Craig Lusk and mental health nurse Elizabeth Hutchinson:

• Health
• Craig Lusk
• Elizabeth Hutchinson

Elizabeth Hutchinson is a mental health worker who volunteers as a First Responder.

She's part of the newly formed Peebles, Innerleithen and Walkerburn group.

She said, "I decided to volunteer to give something back to the community."

• UK
• First responders
• Scottish Borders

There's an appeal for more first responders in the Scottish Borders as ambulance crews prepare for their busiest period of the year.

First responders are volunteers who help until paramedics arrive.

New First Responder groups have been set up in two areas of Peeblesshire and began their duties on 1st December but they still need more recruits.

Ambulance crews across Scotland are preparing for a 20% increase in call outs over the festive period.

Most are alcohol related.

• UK
• First responders
• Scottish Borders

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after 200 packs of medication was stolen from Hawick Medical Practice.

The drugs were taken from the Teviot Road premises between Saturday October 26th and Monday October 22nd.

Dihydrocodeine, Diazepam, Codeine Phosphate, Zopiclone, Lorazapam, Nitrazepam and Cionazepam were among the items taken.

"Some of these tablets are very high-strength and could have serious health implications if taken by anyone other than the person they're prescribed to.

"While we are following a positive line of inquiry in terms of tracing the suspect, we would encourage anyone who is offered or comes across this medication to hand it in to a police station or pharmacy as a matter of urgency."

Police we are appealing for anyone who may have been aware of suspicious activity in the area of Teviot Road, Hawick, at the weekend to get in touch on 0131 311 3131.

• UK
• Lothian and Borders Police
• Appeal

A former chief executive who was made redundant from a Cumbrian health trust has lost an appeal for compensation.

Nigel Woodcock claimed he'd been unfairly dismissed from the North Cumbria Primary Care Trust.

He had claimed nearly £700,000 in compensation.

At an employment tribunal he'd said he was made redundant just weeks before his 50th birthday so he would not have to be paid a £500,000 pension windfall.

That tribunal in 2009 ruled against him, a decision which has now been upheld at the Court of Appeal.

• Health
• Cumbria
• appeal