YOUNG people with learning difficulties were given the red-carpet treatment in Oxford.

City-based charity Yellow Submarine, which runs days out for people with learning difficulties and their families, held a screening of Mamma Mia! at the Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street, Jericho.

Nearly 200 people and their carers turned up to see the Abba-themed movie, some even sporting costumes made famous by the Swedish pop stars.

Afterwards, they were given free pizza and ice cream at the Jericho Tavern.

Witney’s Susan Davis, who took 11-year-old daughter Emily, who has Williams syndrome – a rare neurodevelopmental disorder – said: “We had a lovely day. It was our first experience with Yellow Submarine and they were great.

“It is fantastic for the children to be able to socialise in a group of similar people and for some of the parents it must be absolutely invaluable to have some time to themselves.”

Yellow Submarine, which was set up in 2010, offers holidays to places such as France and Blackpool as well as day trips around Oxfordshire for youngsters aged between 11 and 18.

It also runs an activity club at the Windrush Centre in Witney.

Toby Stavely, manager of Yellow Submarine, said: “More people came than we expected so it was a success from that point of view. People were dancing in their seats and clapping along to the songs so it was a real feel-good occasion.”

Fancy-dress prizes were supplied by Oxford United Football Club and Mini Oxford.

To find out more visit yellowsubmarine.org.uk