LOOKING forward to a trip to the South of France this summer are a group of lads from Trinity Church Boys Brigade.

But first the youngsters - all secondary school pupils - have to raise some cash towards the cost of the 12-day holiday.

Altogether there will be a party of 16 heading for the sun this July to a beauty spot just 20 miles from the Mediterranean. And they have set themselves the target of £5000 to defray the cost of the trip-of-a-lifetime.

A Scottish Night concert in the church hall on 20th March raised a splendid £700. Among those lending their talents in the cause were Billy Nelson, who compered, the Merkinch Community Centre pipers, the Marlettes, and singers Kathleen Cummings and Andrew Green.

The fund-raising started back in November with a Prize Bingo session in the Clach Club; another is planned for 18th April - so mark that date in your diary.

Merkinch councillor Peter Corbett has been roped in, and he recently took part in the Inverness Fun Run and donated the money he raised through sponsorship to help the BBs’ fund.

Any former BBs or members of the public who wish to make a donation can find the BBs at the church hall in Huntly Place on Friday evenings from 6.15pm onwards.

Meanwhile no doubt the youngsters are working hard on improving their French!