THE sun shone on the Borders town of Hawick yesterday as thousands packed the streets to celebrate the 500th anniversary of their Common Riding's roots.

Appropriately, more than 500 horses followed Cornet Ross Gibson carrying the town flag in a spectacular mounted cavalcade inspecting the town boundaries.

The 24-year-old, who works as an electrician, said: "It has been an unforgettable experience and the best few days of my life.

"Getting my hands on the Banner Blue is something I have thought about since I was a boy."

Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA