A SAINSBURY'S shopper said she was almost brought to tears by a show of solidarity at an Oxfordshire store.

Posting on Facebook, Kay Hornby said there was a 'lovely announcement' from the manager of the Wantage branch that prompted applause from shoppers.

The Tannoy announcement was made yesterday morning, during the first day of a dedicated hour for elderly shoppers.

Several supermarkets have introduced allocated times for vulnerable people, NHS workers or emergency workers to do their shopping, without having to compete for stock against crowds of panic-buyers.

ALSO READ: Tesco introduces special shopping hour for its workers and NHS staff

In a post that has been liked by hundreds of people, on the Wantage & Grove Community page, Ms Hornby said: "It was the 1st day of an hour just for vulnerable people and the manager thanked everyone for waiting.

"Thanked the 6th formers who helped out whilst they were there and thanked his fantastic team.

"There were various rounds of applause and it made me tear up with pride.

"Carry on being kind and cheering those on who are trying to help everyone."

ALSO READ: Waitrose and M&S latest to hold shopping hours for elderly

Pupils at King Alfred's Academy in Wantage are helping elderly customers at the supermarket to pack their shopping.

Responding to Ms Horby's post, another shopper said: "It’s lovely to see someone recognise the staff and students of KAs who came to help out after Sainsbury’s asked.

"Lots of moaning about the queues (understandably I suppose) but what wonderful community spirit!"

Another said: "I was in there then and it was lovely. The staff deserve a bonus once this is all over."

One Oxford Mail reader, who was in the branch this morning, said customers also gave a round of applause then too.