It was announced on 1 March 1980 that The Advertiser would make special Awards to Focus (Fringe) productions each week.

The winners were chosen for an aspect of their production which The Advertiser critics regarded as especially noteworthy. Three Advertiser Critics' Awards were presented for "The Best of the Fringe".

Names of the winners were recorded on a Perpetual Shield designed by The Advertiser, which was to be permanently displayed in a prominent Arts venue.

The Advertiser inaugural special award for Focus award was won by Cambridge Footlight Review. The second award was won by Spink Inc. While the third Advertiser Special Award went to Henry Salter's performance in 'Hancocks Last Half Hour'.

Read Hancock role wins award, The Advertiser 29 March 1980.