HARRISON & Hetherington are to hold the first gathering of their new Borderway Farmers' Club at Borderway Mart on Monday, June 18.

The firm wants to offer farmers the chance to meet and have a chat - an opportunity few will have had since the foot-and-mouth outbreak began four months ago.

Producers can also talk to auctioneers and mart staff to discuss issues facing them.

Borderway's concourse and its recently refurbished cafeteria, ring 6, will be open every Monday from 11.30-2pm.

Mr Trevor Hebdon, chief executive, said: "We wanted to break the ice and encourage an informal gathering of farmers from the area.

"They have had to face such difficult and traumatic times over the last few months, which has been made even worse by them not having social contact.

"Borderway Farmers Club will provide a familiar venue for farmers to meet people and have a chat with friends."