A FORMER Clydebank taxi driver was so overwhelmed at winning Virgin Media's Local Legends campaign for the Glasgow area, he "burst into tears".
Jim McLaren, 57 was selected as the winner of the telecoms giant Local Legends campaign for the Glasgow area.  
He was congratulated for his work with Golden Friendships - a group he started two years ago with 20 volunteers. 

Throughout the pandemic they have delivered 27,000 packed lunches to those who need them most, put on socially distant walks and provided virtual entertainment such as bingo, quizzes and live music.

Jim was voted the winner for Glasgow by a prestigious judging panel made up of Captain Sir Tom Moore, TV presenter and children’s author Konnie Huq, members from Glasgow City Council and a Virgin Media representative.
For his efforts, he was awarded around £10k in technology goodies but kindly donated these to the group.
Jim said: “Winning the Local Legends prize couldn’t have come at a better time. We rely entirely on grants and donations for the maintenance of our facility and our events and daily activities.

“The new projectors will be great for karaoke and movie nights. The games consoles will be in our dedicated gaming zone along with new TV’s and the iPads and laptops will provide additional entertainment.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore, a member of Virgin Media’s Local Legends judging panel, said: “Jim and the Golden Friendships charity showed quick thinking and imagination to adapt their services and support so that they could still reach and serve their community. The charity is a worthy winner of Virgin Media’s Local Legends competition and we hope that they keep up the great work in their community.”

Konnie Huq, a member of Virgin Media’s Local Legends judging panel, said: “The Golden Friendships charity, led by the incredible Jim, performed miracles in their community to keep their users served with a range of exciting and meaningful activities. Everyone in Glasgow should be immensely proud of their work and they’re deserved winners of Virgin Media’s Local Legends competition.”