Two of Scotland's local authorities have submitted a joint funding bid to help open rail stations on the East Coast line.

Scottish Borders Council and East Lothian Council, alongside the South East Scotland Transport Network (SEStran), have applied for the Government's Rail Station Fund.

The councils have said they want to open stations at East Linton and Reston.

It has been argued that the investment would help to benefit the local economy as well as reduce congestion for commuters.

The announcement of the joint bid comes after five companies bidding to win the ScotRail franchise from next year were told to consider the new stations as part of their submissions.

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A decision on the bid will be made later this year.

Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Edgar, said: "The joint bid to the Scottish Government's Rail Station Fund is another clear indication that Scottish Borders Council and our partners in the working group are dedicated to providing a local service between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

"Last month SBC also increased its proposed levels of funding towards the scheme to £1.28million, as we firmly believe a station at Reston will bring social and economic benefits to Berwickshire.

"We hope the Scottish Government recognises our joint commitment and support our funding bid."

SEStran Chair, Councillor Russell Imrie, added: "SEStran fully supports the campaign to improve services on the Berwick-upon-Tweed line to Edinburgh and to extend access to rail in East Lothian, by opening Stations at Reston and East Linton.

"It would open up access to rail travel for thousands of commuters in East Lothian and the Borders, and offer major benefits for the local economies and tourism.

"It would also make a major contribution towards cutting congestion on the regions roads and reducing the carbon footprint by providing a viable alternative to travelling by car."

(JP/MH)