TESCO shoppers are planning a big birthday surprise for a greeter at the store who has a learning disability.

Steve Mansell has worked at the Abingdon superstore for years, greeting customers as they arrive.

Mr Mansell, who is also a trustee of Oxford's disability advocacy group My Life My Choice, was hoping to celebrate his 50th birthday on June 1 with his regular customers, but with lockdown putting him in isolation, a friend has now called on people send him an avalanche of birthday cards to cheer him up.

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The friend shared his appeal on Facebook, urging people to send card to Mr Mansell's brother and sister-in-law in Wantage.

He said: "Hello to all my Abingdon friends and to those who shop at the big Tesco.

"This is a plea from his family and his dear friends.

"To everyone who knows Steve Mansell he's the very kind and gentle fellow who meets and greets you all to the store.

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"Steve was hoping to celebrate his 50th birthday on June 1 with all the customers but because Steve has been self isolating for the last couple of months he's been feeling somewhat forgotten about.

"So to make his big day even better could you all Rise to the Occasion and send steve a birthday card to mark one of his amazing milestones.

"He has no idea that these cards Will be delivered to his home on the morning of his birthday please could you send them to Steve's brother Phil & Sister-in-law Nikki's home."

The post, which gave the couple's full address in Wantage, has since been removed, and the Oxford Mail has not shared the address without their permission.