My name is Dianne and I volunteer in the Willow Wood Charity shop at Waterloo, Ashton.

The reason I volunteer is to give.

The things I give are my time. The most precious thing you can give. I also give my selling skills, as before I retired in 2014 I worked as a sales demonstrator, I used to bake and demonstrate kitchen machines, and make displays in the John Lewis department stores. I am used to talking to people and selling this I really enjoy.

I decided to volunteer last year in April after nearly 3 years of retirement, and the huge blow of my husband being diagnosed in 2015 with Alzheimer's. While I can still get out and about, and he is still OK to leave on his own the time was right for me. I also missed the company of the people I worked with.

I was passing the Waterloo shop walking my dog one day, and decided to pop in for an application form. I spoke to Kellie the manageress and immediately liked her. She was very warm and welcoming.

A few weeks later I did a taster day and never looked back. I did one half day at first, but enjoyed it so much, that I now do two half days, and I fill in if someone is off sick or we are short of volunteers.

I soon got in to the swing of things, I now dress the window, this I love, and get great satisfaction from doing this.

We are never bored as there are always things to do. I work with a great bunch of people, and have made some great friends, we are like a great big family. Kellie our Manageress is just the best, and knows just how to get us all motivated. I can honestly say it's the best decision I have made since retirement. All I can say is just do it, volunteer...........