Scottish and English border councils have agreed to forge a new alliance to boost economic growth and exploit new opportunities.

Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Northumberland and Cumbria and Carlisle City Councils will now look at boosting business, tourism and transport in their areas.

The announcement follows the publication of the ‘Borderland' report in July, which called for Scotland and the North of England to work closer together.

Scottish local government minister, Derek Mackay, said: ‘An economically stronger Scotland would be a major boost for our close neighbours in the north of England and we want to work with local authorities and their partners to help them meet the needs of their communities, improve business, transport and tourism and make their local areas better places to live.'