A young entrepreneur from the Borders has helped to get a new tourism award off to a flying start.

Ian Withers, 28, who set up Peebles-based mountain biking tour company MB7 in 2004, is one of a growing number of young tourism entrepreneurs vital for the future of Scottish tourism.

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust , with support of the Moffat Charitable Trust, has entered into a three-year partnership with VisitScotland to create a new category in the Scottish Thistle Awards.

The Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award will recognise the contribution that young people are making to the tourism industry in Scotland.

Judges will be interested in all aspects of the business, particularly the journey from early market research, through start-up and business growth.

Customer relationships, economic or community impact and plans for the future will also be important in the judging process.

Mr Withers said: "It's been an amazing journey since I made the leap from being a bicycle courier to running my own business. I've always had a passion for Scotland and mountain biking and I feel lucky to be able to put across my enthusiasm for both to visitors to the Borders. Awards are really important for businesses like mine."