Lynda Higgins can look forward to sampling the delights on offer at Blanchflower in Altrincham town centre after being named as the latest winner of our volunteer of the month award.

Lynda has quickly established herself as an integral part of the club's day-to-day running, and much of it can be credited to the influence of Isaac Marriott's dad Simon.

While Isaac's tigerish approach tends to have an unsettling impact on anyone he encounters on the pitch at The J.Davidson Stadium, his family's demeanour off it has quite the opposite effect.

We let Lynda take up the story..

"I've always loved my football, and I remember, one sunny August afternoon last year, walking up the road from my house to cheer on the Robins.

"Quite by chance, I bumped into Isaac Marriott's dad, and we soon struck up a conversation. He was so friendly, and, as we chatted, he introduced me to his wife Victoria and the whole family.

"They invited me to join them, so I ended up sitting alongside them as we watched the game together, which was great.

"At one point, Simon mentioned that the club were on the look-out for volunteers to work in the office, so I thought why not? That was in the August, and by October, I had officially started my role as an Alty volunteer!

"I had a career lasting 35 years in financial services, working in HR and leadership development, and after retiring from that, I felt it was important to keep busy. I wanted to keep learning and trying new experiences, and the last year or so at The J.Davidson Stadium has certainly given me that."

With the club continuing to grow and develop to keep pace with the demands of sustaining a realistic challenge for Football League status, Lynda's presence in the office is greatly appreciated by chief executive Sam Mackenzie.

Reflecting on her role, she said: "My job involves anything HR or operational, and I work closely with Sam to try and take some of the pressure off her and ease the workload if I can, so she can free up capacity to focus on the key elements of her position as CEO.

"One of my main responsibilities is managing the volunteer rota for the Altrincham FC Store in the middle of town, and I am also a key contact for any volunteering enquiries at the club.

"I can honestly say that volunteering for Alty is the best decision I ever made. No two days are the same, the work makes the most of my skills and experience, the people are so friendly, welcoming, inclusive and always willing to help and the world of football is dynamic and exciting. It's also hard work, but it's completely addictive!

"All in all, it's just great fun, so thanks Simon and Victoria for bringing it to my attention!"

CEO Sam Mackenzie is delighted to have been able to offer Lynda the award: "Lynda has been brilliant since she started at the club and has become an invaluable member of our volunteer team. She has made a huge contribution in the year she's been involved and this monthly award is a small thank you for all her hard work."

Thanks Lynda for all you do, and thanks as well to Blanchflower for kindly sponsoring our monthly award and providing a £30 voucher to be spent at their renowned cafe restaurant next to Altrincham's indoor market.