Hundreds of Berwickers and visitors lined Marygate as the riders processed round from The Parade, down Walkergate and to the Town Hall.

Chief marshal, Steph Felton, who, at 20 years old, is believed to be the youngest marshal to lead off the 67 riders, the largest group since 2005, led them down Marygate to the steps of the Town Hall.

There Steph and her left and right-hand men, David McClymont and Wendy Dixon respectively, sang the Berwick song and were presented with stirrup cups by the Mayor, Coun Lance Robson and Mayoress, Sandra Evans.

The Mayor was then asked by Steph for permission to ride the bounds, and following his response, he presented the flag of Berwick to her before she led the riders out of the town, to the cheers of the assembled throng.

The riders took the traditional 15-mile route around the boundaries, before returning to the town at about 3pm, reporting back to the Mayor that the boundaries were secure and returning the flag.

Liz Hope, who co-ordinated the event on behalf of the council told the Advertiser: "It wasn't the best of weather and the races at Canty's had to be cancelled as the Whiteadder was flooded, but it was still a very good year.

"The turnout was brilliant, especially since it was a week-day and everyone enjoyed it.

"It was a little bittersweet though, as it was the last Riding of the Bounds to be organised by the borough council, but the tradition will carry on.

"It was brilliant to see so many young riders, like Steph who was chief marshal at just 20 and Wendy Dixon who will be chief marshal next year and is also young.

"It is the young riders that will keep the event going in the future.

"The council would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the Rding of the Bounds over the years.

" It is not just a council event and is a really good example of partnership working, with the Riders' Association and the emergency services and everyone else."

Best turned out junior was won by Danny Grey, the senior trophy went to Amy Brown.

Best turned out cob went to Mary Vernon and best turned out marshal to David McClymont.

The Pamela Edney Marshal's Trophy was won by Alison Borthwick, and the trophy for special marshal was won by Steven Avril.

Two new trophies were awarded this year, for youngest and oldest (those that admitted their age) riders.

The youngest rider award was jointly won by Zoe Thompson and Rachel Martin and the trophy for oldest rider was won by Pat Barnard.
Best dressed window was won by the Tea Cosy in Walkergate.

Berwick's bounds date back to 1438 when representatives from England and Scotland agreed where one country would end and the other begin. Records show that as early as 1542 the Bounds of Berwick-upon-Tweed were patrolled to remind the English and the Scottish where they were.

In 1550 it was recommended that the Bounds be ridden once a year by the Marshal and soldiers for the garrison to check that the area was secure.