AS THE countdown to this year's eagerly anticipated Common-Riding weekend gathers pace, there's one man who knows more than most just what's required to make sure the celebrations run smoothly.

That's Ex-Cornet John Hope, master of ceremonies for the last five years and a man whose attention to the smallest of detail is matched only by his passion for the Common-Riding.

And it's that passion that drives John, who proudly carried the Banner Blue in 1963, to ensure that proper prodecures are followed in time-honoured fashion. From the moment the Cornet-elect receives his letter on Picking Night, right up until the big weekend itself, John has one eye on the clock and the other on what's unfolding before him.

Clearly still thrilled to have been given the the chance to play his part in upholding the town's traditions over the last few years, John is happy to admit that he's "always on duty" during the Common-Riding. And duty calls now at this most hectic of times in the Hawick calendar.

So, we'll let you get on, John. But with you at the helm, this year's celebrations are sure to be the best of a'!