FREE parking is being offered in town centre car parks across the Dorset Council area this December.

To encourage people to shop locally this Christmas, town centre car parks in the Dorset Council area will be free on Saturdays December 5, 12 and 19.

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “In response to this year’s exceptional circumstances, to help residents to shop locally and to help boost Dorset’s economy, we’re pleased to offer three days of free parking in towns across the council area.

“With most events cancelled this year, we are pleased to be able to offer town councils additional free parking during valuable prime, retail weekends this December.”

There will be free parking in Dorset Council car parks on Saturdays during December in Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne.