MORE than 1,600 disabled people streamed into Oxford on November 26, 1985, for an evening of trouble-free Christmas shopping.
Major shops stayed open until 8pm to give them a chance to browse in peace, accompanied by more than 200 helpers who included scouts, pupils and St John Ambulance volunteers.
The shoppers were given refreshments in Littlewoods and draw tickets in the Clarendon Centre, where the Lord Mayor Roger Dudman joined the crowds.
Looking back: Traditions, lost turkeys and kissing under the mistletoe
Richard Sharpe, the manger of Marks & Spencer in Queen Street, said the evening had been a great success, adding: "It was a lovely evening and a lovely way to start Christmas. There was a feeling of everybody helping each other and of people who can't normally take advantage of Oxford's shopping enjoying the stores and the Christmas lights."
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