For many elderly and disabled and their carers, Christmas gift buying expeditions to crowded shops can be an ordeal, which is why one shopping centre in Kent has decided to host a special evening for them.

Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, near Broadstairs, is to open its 40 plus stores and cafes from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday October 23 expressly for people in Thanet who might otherwise not feel able to get out to shop for gifts.

Invitations have been sent out to the isle’s residential care homes, to care agencies in the area, and to charity and support groups, including Headway, Mencap, Help the Aged and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

During the special shopping evening additional staff will direct cars and minibuses to free parking spaces as close as possible to the shops, which all have wheelchair access. The Salvation Army band will provide festive music from 7.30pm outside Debenhams, while local musician Paul One Love and his band will be playing from 5pm to 7pm.

Tom Price, general manager at Westwood Cross, said: “This is the first time we have hosted a shopping event aimed at people who might find it difficult otherwise to get out and enjoy browsing round all the latest gifts and clothes.

“Our store staff are primed to expect their visitors and to offer a warm welcome and a high level of customer care. With the extra hour of shopping time available we anticipate this will be a popular and lively evening.

If anyone who finds it difficult to get out and about, or who cares for someone who would appreciate attending this event, they can contact marketing manager Tracie Stevens at tracie.stevens@landsecurities or call 01843 867273 to secure an invitation.