CHRISTMAS shopping in York on the afternoon of Monday, December 8, brought me face to face with three angels.

One minute I was sauntering among the happy Christmas throng, the next I was lying face down in the road outside Brown's department store.

Two angels immediately came to the rescue.

One comforted me and picked up my bag and gloves, the other went into Brown's for help.

I was helped to a chair inside the store and the two angels flew off in opposite directions. The third angel, from Brown's, brought medication and much cheerful support.

I thank them all for their sympathy and help.

My black eye and bruised knees will soon fade, but the memory of the three angels of York will stay with me forever.

Mrs A Townend,

Leeds.

Updated: 12:18 Tuesday, December 16, 2003