From bar owner to charity shop manager, Sharon Rigby is loving her job running the Headway shop in Alsager.

Alsager born and bred, local people will probably know Sharon from Bar Six in the town.

Sharon has always loved charity shops and owns several items of clothing herself - which she has bought from charity shops.

Sharon with some of her volunteers

Dressed in a comfy jumper and co-ordinating skirt each costing around £3.49 each, Sharon told how important the shop in Sandbach Road South is.

"There are so many different forms of head injury from all kinds of things from road accidents to strokes," said Sharon.

"We do get people coming in to donate things after knowing someone with a head injury.

"We have an amazing team and some lovely, generous customers. They bring in wonderful donations, but we still need more," says Sharon.

"We had our busiest October and November ever this year which may have something to do with the cost-of-living crisis.

"We always need more donations and volunteers."

Sharon works full-time in a paid role but 'volunteers' about an hour a day of her own time at the shop.

And she carefully selects valuable items which can be sold on Marketplace for Headway Alsager.

"We had quite a valuable guitar donated and that sold for around £200 for the shop," said Sharon.

"People are so generous, sometimes giving over and above what they have bought. We have some lovely customers." 

Most of the staff at the have been there a while and there is a great camaraderie amongst staff.

But there is one member of staff for whom Sharon, who has been manager for around 12 months, does have a special bond with – her 79-year-old mum.

Sharon with her mum and volunteer, Claris Smith.

Claris Smith is one of the shop's volunteers, spending around four days a week at the shop.

"I love working here. It keeps my brain ticking over and it's a great way to get out and meet people," said Claris.

Most staff have been there a while for it would seem the shop isn't only popular with customers – it's also a big hit with people wanting to work there.

"We do have a very low turnover of volunteers. Most have been with us for a while but we always need more," said Sharon.

 Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Alsager shop can contact Sharon at the shop on 01270 873491.