Oxford Mail readers were treated to mulled wine and mince pies at an evening of late-night Christmas shopping.

The event at Matalan in Cowley was specially organised for our Loyalty Card holders so they could enjoy festive food as well as fantastic offers.

Simon Main, 53, from Iffley, was one of our readers who came to the late-night shopping extravaganza on Wednesday.

He said: “We knew this evening was on and we were planning on coming down anyway so we just coupled it together.

“We use the loyalty card in various places in town. It’s very good for the whole family to use.

“We get the Oxford Mail especially for the football as well as the coverage of local news. The coverage is very good. Now the regional TV is about the south and there is very little Oxford news there.”

The evening was arranged as a ‘thank you’ to Oxford Mail Loyalty Club card holders.

Sally Smith, 56, from Arncott, said: “I like that the Oxford Mail puts on these events.

“I get it every day for the local news and to see the local people in it. I’m already in the festive spirit and looking forward to Christmas.”

Margaret Clarke, 55, from Cowley, said: “I’m an Oxford United fan and I have the Oxford Mail for the sport.The coverage has been impressive.”

This week’s exclusive event also featured hot chocolate and sweets laid on by the Oxford Mail, with a free Christmas present wrapping service.

The first 100 customers also got a Matalan goodie bag with ribbons, sweets and a card.

Store manager Gerry Stubbs said: “It is a great opportunity to invite new customers in and say thank you to some of our existing customers.

“These sort of evenings are an important part of that.”

Oxford Mail Loyalty Card manager Margaret Marsh said: “It’s great to have a Loyalty Card to support our readers. The new brochure for 2012 will be out in January with lots of savings and new offers.”

The cards already entitle the holder to a host of discounts across big name and local stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Only readers who pay to have the paper home-delivered six days a week will receive the free loyalty card.

A range of businesses from all corners of Oxfordshire, including Oxford Wine Company, Oxford Greyhound Stadium and Botley Road Motors, have joined the scheme.

Readers can pay by monthly invoice or by direct debit to get the paper.

Those who pay by direct debit pay £2 a week instead of £2.52 – the equivalent of getting one Oxford Mail free every week.

To join the Oxford Mail Loyalty Club and get the paper delivered, visit oxfordmail.co.uk/loyaltycard or call 01865 425282.