SHOPPING escorts, special transport and a host of festive entertainment are being laid on to help Worcester's elderly and disabled avoid the Christmas crush.

Worcester City Volunteer Bureau, in association with Worcester City Centre Forum, has organised a special Christmas shopping evening, backed by the Evening News.

Volunteers will be on hand to push wheelchairs and act as shopping escorts, and transport will be laid on to drop shoppers off and pick them up outside shops.

Wheelchairs can be provided and refreshments and entertainment will be laid on.

"Our aim is to provide an enjoyable, festive evening for shoppers," said Sally Ellison, volunteer bureau manager.

"The Christmas lights will bring cheer to the city centre and all the shops will be open to serve our clients," she added

The evening is open to any individual or group with difficulty reaching the shops due to age or disability, whether they live in their own home, a nursing home or sheltered accommodation.

People from Worcester and surrounding areas, including Malvern, Pershore and Droitwich, are welcome to attend.

"We're happy to include groups and organisations from further afield if they can arrange their own transport to and from Worcester," said Mrs Ellison.

The shopping evening will be held on Thursday, November 21, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

It is being supported by CrownGate shopping centre, Worcester's Rotary clubs, Bupa's South Bank Hospital and the Evening News.

Volunteers are being sought to act as shopping escorts and to help with transport requirements.

For more information, phone Mrs Ellison or Hilary Burton on 01905 24741.