Border Jedburgh

MSP for South Scotland Jim Hume is leading a campaign to try and prevent the closure of Sheriff courts in Selkirk and Jedburgh.**

Discussions about doing that and opening a central justice centre in the borders in Galashiels are being held in Edinburgh.**

A group of protesters met in Selkirk today along with Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie.

The decision to shut courts in Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, and Duns and Peebles has already been made as part of a cost cutting exercise by the Scottish Government.

A rally is being held this afternoon to protest against the possible closure of sheriff courts in the Borders.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie, will join local MSP Jim Hume at Selkirk Sheriff court later.

It's a murder which has shocked a quiet community and puzzled detectives. But today a 10 thousand pound reward was offered to catch the killer of a grandmother battered to death as she stayed at a friend's luxury home.

Valerie Graves was found dead at the waterside property in Bosham near Chichester on December 30th. She was staying there over Christmas with her mother, sister and sister's partner.

Police say a hammer found near the house was used to kill Valerie. Sarah Cooper reports.

Detectives investigating the murder of Valerie Graves from Maxton near Jedburgh are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer.

The 55 year old was found with serious head injuries at her mother's home in West Sussex on December 30th.

Sussex Police have interviewed more than 200 people as part of the investigation but feel there may still be witnesses who have yet to come forward.

Detectives investigating the murder of Valerie Graves are offering a reward of £10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of her killer.

The 56-year-old was found with serious head and facial injuries in Smugglers Lane in Bosham on the 30th December.

She had been staying at the property while the owners were away over Christmas.

Since the murder, more than 200 people have been interviewed and over 100 statements have been taken, but police still feel there are witnesses with more important information that have not come forward.

Detective Superintendent Nick May said, "This was a savage attack, where a significant level of violence was used. We know that a hammer, found nearby in Hoe Lane, was used by the offender and we are seeking the public's help to catch this person before they hurt someone else.

"We particularly appeal to anyone who knows personally, has met professionally, or has a relationship with someone who is violent and who may have used, talked about or threatened violence with a hammer in the past.

"You may have your own concerns or suspicions about this person already, but for your own reasons have not yet come forward.Let me reassure you that we can support you whatever your concerns, but this person must be caught."

Anyone with information should ring 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Ensign.

Uppies beat the Doonies 8-6 in the Men's Hand Ba' in Jedburgh.

The last Ba' was scored at 8 pm.

Uppies scores were by Jim Gledhill, Kevin Rae, Kevin Barrie, John Fishwick, Lenny Wyse, Tam Lothian, Ronnie Notman and Jamie Amos

Doonies scores were by Graham Slorance (2 scores), Marc Watson, Craig Cargill, Chris Gillonand Daniel Gillie (last score)

It's a centuries old game, with a gruesome history, and today it brought the people of Jedburgh out in their hundreds.

Hand Ba' is always played on the first Thursday in Lent.

It pits the two sides of the town against each other and draws spectators in from miles around. Hannah McNulty was among them

It was a close match in the boy's Hand Ba' match in Jedburgh today.

The Uppies beat the Downies 5-3.

Callum Young, Gary Munro, Robbie Douglas and Rory Smith all scored for the Uppies, with Rory scoring twice.

The Downies got their three points form Nick Arnold, Robbie Yourston and Craig Hal.

The men's game is currently underway.

The annual Borders tradition of Hand Ba' is underway in Jedburgh.

The game, which dates back to 1914, is based on a version of medieval football.

Centuries ago, it would have involved the use of an Englishman's head, but now uses a ball with ribbons.

Billy Gillies has been involved with the sport for more than 60 years and told ITV Border why he thinks it's endured for so long:

The annual men's Hand Ba' game is underway.

One onlooker, who was watching for the first time, was asked by ITV Border to describe what he was watching and replied "Mayhem"