Footballers join campaign against abuse

HEARTS and Hibs players have been praised for wearing white ribbons in support of a police campaign against domestic abuse.

The festive campaign by Lothian and Borders Police saw all officers in the Lothians wear a white ribbon.

Players from both sides taking part in the New Year derby also joined in by sporting the ribbons.

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's community safety leader, said: "I was immensely proud of both Edinburgh teams who took the field of play for the New Year Edinburgh Derby.

"Stats show that this time of year sees an increase in domestic abuse, hence the timing of the campaign. We have made massive inroads in Edinburgh in tackling all sorts of crime but domestic abuse is the one area where these levels have remained static.

"It was terrific to see both clubs to get right behind L&B's efforts in this area."