THE Golden Friendships have officially purchased the 543 Club.

The target of £80,000 was raised and the keys to the building have been handed over to founder of the charity Jim McLaren.

Mathew Kelly, an ambassador for the group, told the Post: “The Golden Friendships is a fantastic club. It’s changed my life, and given me more confidence. I also got new members to come to the club, and one particular guy out of his shyness. Jim is an amazing guy, loving, understanding and gives us all good advice.

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"I want to thank him very much for welcoming me to the club, as well as the members I got to come along. I’m very proud of him for reaching his target to buy the building.”

Jim posted on his Facebook page thanking everyone who contributed to the fundraising and the owners of the building for the opportunity.