Businesses have been urged to cash in on mountain biking

Enterprise chiefs have encouraged local firms to tap in to the expansion of adventure sports attributed to the area's "rugged landscapes".

A Canadian expert is to visit the region later this month as part of an event to promote business growth.

Scottish Enterprise Borders plans to invest �200,000 in facilities and a strategy to boost the sector further.

Rob McSkimming, the driving force behind Canada's Whistler Mountain Bike Park, will be keynote speaker at the "business insight" event. The Canadian venue has seen a rise of over 500% in visitor numbers over the past five years.

'Growth sector'

SE Borders chief executive David Gass said the region could benefit greatly from such sports.

"Adventure sports is undoubtedly an area with significant growth potential for the Borders tourism sector," he said.

"The region is fortunate to be rich in natural assets such as rugged landscapes and green forests which, with careful planning, can be developed to attract more visitors and reap economic dividends."