A WOMAN from Hollins Green is about to celebrate her 90th birthday and still volunteers at the community shop twice a week

Margaret Tinsley has lived in Hollins Green for 50 years and volunteers twice a week at the community shop, where she operates the till.

Hollins Green Community Shop sells a variety of goods, including flowers, wine and freshly baked goods.

The 89-year-old, who will celebrate her birthday this Saturday, has been volunteering since the shop opened 10 years ago after she became a widow.

“It’s been a lifeline for me really,” she said.

“It gets me out the house being on my own all the time and as it happens, I love meeting people!”

Margaret hopes to keep volunteering at the shop for as long as possible as she enjoys getting to talk to customers and help out as much as she can.

“Margaret has always said she doesn’t know what she would have done without our shop,” said Julie Atkinson, who runs the community shop.

“All of our customers know Margaret and she adds so much character to our team.

“She’s a breath of fresh air!”

The shop relies on volunteers like Margaret to keep running by operating the till, lottery terminal and Evri delivery machine.

“The shop wouldn’t be open without the help of volunteers,” said Julie.

“Margaret’s always there waiting to help us – she helps in every way she can, she always says she needs to keep going.”

Margaret is a huge part of the community in Hollins Green, attending the quiz night in the village pub every week and coffee mornings in the community shop.

She will celebrate her 90th birthday on Saturday and, instead of asking for presents, she has asked for donations to the Hollins Green Community Shop.

“That’s just how much she loves the shop and how much she wants it to do well,” said Julie.