SALVATION Army singers and musicians brought the spirit of Christmas to Oxford at the weekend as part of their annual appeal to provide presents and food for disadvantaged people.

The Army’s brass band stood outside Marks & Spencer, Queen Street, and members of the public gathered to sing Christmas carols.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood gave a helping hand by conducting the carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The Sally Army is urging residents to support its Christmas Present Appeal, which aims to deliver 400 presents and 250 food hampers for disadvantaged Oxfordshire people.

People are asked to donate gifts for children, families, older people and the homeless.

The army will also hold an event for about 100 people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.

Captain Mark Wolstenholme said: “We do all this because people matter.

“We just try and bring to people something of the Christmas message of goodwill to all men.”

He added: “The austerity measures will be kicking in and people will be requiring our services even more.”

The evangelical Christian charity provides social programmes including community and residential centres, advice for the homeless and youth clubs.

Miss Blackwood said: “I’m always keen to support the Salvation Army. They do amazing work. It’s a shining example of people who for years have said: ‘We are not going to wait for others to get out there and help, we are going to do it ourselves.’”

Pensioner Ken Corby, 66, joined in with the carol singing. He said: “Anything that brings the community together like this I find exciting.”

Maggie Rawcliffe, 59, from South Hinksey, said: “I thought it was a lovely start to the Christmas season.

“They brought a bit of the real Christmas message to Oxford.”

The city’s Salvation Army branch will play outside Marks & Spencer from 10am to noon on both remaining Saturdays before Christmas.