In a bid to help boost pre-Christmas business - and give Bridport shoppers a break in these hard times - Dorset Council has announced there will be will be free parking on the first Saturday in December in the town.

To encourage residents to support local businesses by shopping locally and attending events, free parking will be available on Small Business Saturday (3 December).

Car parks accessed from East Street, Hope Terrace, Rope Walks, South Street, West Street and Wykes Court are included.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment said: "Shopping locally is a great way to cut down the mileage and support Dorset's superb range of local businesses.

"For something different, why not take a look at what our fabulous independent businesses have to offer and shop locally this year."

Other providers, such as town councils, may also offer free parking in the run-up to Christmas, so drivers are encouraged to check the car park's charges boards/ticket machines for details.

In another initiative in Bridport, many businesses in the town are engaging in the 'Magic Tenner' local shopping campaign. See story via this link.