Community leader Ian Bothwell of Crossfire Trust reconciliation charity caught smashing up the bank in Crossmaglen, south Armagh

And together with supporters they have just realised their dream of taking ownership of a property in Crossmaglen town square.

However it is no ordinary building - but rather the previous Bank of Ireland property - complete with reinforced walls and bank vault.

"Crossmaglen has always been our focus and we have rented a charity shop 500 yards away for two years," Ian said.

"But because we really want to secure community healing and reconciliation in the area, it has always been our dream to put our head on a pillow in Crossmaglen square in our own property, so this is a major breakthrough.

"We have had volunteers from Crossmaglen, residents from our base at Darkley House and others from further afield who have come and helped us demolish internal walls to create a welcoming space big enough for 20 people - and to create a small kitchen, charity shop and food bank.

"So I suppose that is quite symbolic - people from all parts of the community coming together to break down barriers and create a welcoming space."

He added: "People in Crossmaglen are supporting us and have provided food for volunteers and offered tools and advice for the way forward."

The plan is to use the bank vault as a counselling suite and later as “a garden room”, he says.

The trust has supporters from across the island of Ireland, England and in the US. In 2003 Ian was awarded the US President's Peace Prize for grassroots reconciliation by George W Bush.

For now their next goal is to move into the new centre by 1 May - but more work remains to be done.

"We still need volunteers to paint and clean and someone who could do some shopfitting and install clothes rails for our charity shop."

He is inviting would-be volunteers to contact him on 028 3753 1636 or via [email protected]