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A scheme set up to help small and medium businesses in Dumfries and Galloway isproving a big international success.

Access Six helps companies to compete in foreign markets. They do everything from giving advice on the demand for Scottish products abroad, to sharing contacts across the world.

Fiona McIlwraith went to two businesses in the region to find out more.

Export help for south west Scotland

Chris Harrison owns Waulkmill Cider near Langholm. He started the business in 2010, and now sells cider vinegars and perry as well. He's been trying to grow the company and now, with the help of Access Six, exports to Germany.

Access Six is a project run by Scotland Run and Drink. Small business who sign up are given a mentor to help them develop their company and look at exporting to foreign markets.

Chris Harrison now exports his product in Germany Credit: ITV Border

Chris said:** **"Any help that a small business can get, especially at the moment, is worth taking. If you can get on board with an organisation like this, people can assist you with making contacts, helping you with the paperwork and the red tape. It's an absolute wealth."

Export help for south west Scotland

Small and medium businesses (SME's) across south west Scotland are eligible to apply for a new programme that will help them export their products.

Access Six is an initiative funded by the European Regional Development Fund that provides training and mentorship for food and drink SME's in the border regions in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Amanda Brown, from Scotland Food & Drink, explains what the programme is about.

Export help for south west Scotland

MSP Jim Hume welcomes a £38.6 million investment for a new youth programme in South West Scotland.

It is one of five areas in the UK to receive a share of money from the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI).

"We know that long spells of unemployment at the start of a young persons' career can be damaging for years down the line. This new investment will make a real difference to young people in the south of Scotland and give them the best possible start to their working life.

"With UK spending being matched by EU investment this new initiative is another reason why Liberal Democrats are working to keep Scotland in Britain and Britain in Europe."

– Jim Hume MSP, South Scotland

The scheme provides funding to help young people aged 15-24 find work.

The total £170 million of UK government funding for the YEI will be matched by an equal amount from the European Social Fund and also by project partners, bringing the total funding to nearly £490 million.

Following repeated flooding in parts of the region, a mountain rescue team has had its vehicles adjusted to be able to drive through deep water. The Galloway team has been involved in helping people during a number of floods in South West Scotland.

Galloway Mountain Rescue Team 'prepared' for floods

If you are unfortunate enough to be living with a chronic disease you will know that one of the most important things is having your health and your condition monitored on a regular basis.

However, getting to your GP surgery or hospital can be difficult, especially if you live in a rural area.

Now though, help could be on the way for some people in South West Scotland.

A pilot project to help people with lung disease carry out their own checks has been launched.

It is called the Annan Remote Monitoring test, and Lori Carnochan went to find out more.

It is just over four months since the worst snow storms in living memory hit parts of Southern Scotland causing devastation for local farmers.

Some of those same farmers say they are making a recovery, and today they attended one of the area's biggest agricultural shows.

And along with the usual sheep and cows, this year's special guest at the Wigtown Show was none other than a record-breaking duck, as Matthew Taylor reports.

Watch his full report below.