ONE of Clydebank’s best known charities is looking forward to expanding its services thanks to the fund-raising efforts of group members, families and friends.

Members of Dalmuir-based Golden Friendships took part in a ‘Walk and Roll’ sponsored walk on May 22 - and raised more than £2,000.

The charity’s founder, Jim McLaren, told the Post that the event was organised to allow Golden Friendships supporters who were unable to take part in the recent Kiltwalk to do their own bit locally for the cause.

He said: “We have a lot of people in our club who can’t do the length of the Kiltwalk, such as people in wheelchairs.

“The terrain isn’t safe for them - it is too rocky and bumpy, but a lot of our members wanted to participate so we held this sponsored walk.

“We were out for about an hour and 20 minutes and then we came back to the club and ate hot dogs, had soft drinks and had a wee party in there.”

The walk route stretched from the Golden Friendships Community Hall in Dalmuir, up Dumbarton Road, finishing at the bandstand in Queen’s Square.

The money raised from the day will go towards the daily running costs of the charity as well as some exciting new activities.

Jim explained that the group is in the process of launching outdoor sessions including fishing and walking.

He added: “The money will go towards some of the new outdoor events that we are starting. Some of the club members will be able to go fishing, walking and we recently purchased a new disability mini bus.

“We’ve just completed a few risk assessments in the last couple of weeks.”

Reflecting on the day and the incredible effort from all those involved Jim said he is “so proud” of everyone.

He said: “I am so proud of the efforts they all made, it was just wonderful.”