A SPECIAL shopping trip was laid on in Worcester City centre to help the elderly and disabled beat the Christmas crush.

Volunteers were on hand to push wheelchairs and escort shoppers, who were dropped off and picked up by special transport for yesterday's retail therapy session, which ran from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

The Worcester City Volunteer Bureau, which organises the event each year, also laid on refreshments and festive entertainment for the shoppers, who came from Worcester, Droitwich, Pershore and Malvern.

Sally Ellison, volunteer bureau manager, said the aim was to provide an enjoyable, festive evening for shoppers.

The bureau organised the evening in association with the Worcester City Centre Forum.

The evening was also backed by the Evening News.