Free parking will be available in the run up to Christmas in council-owned car parks in west Dorset to encourage residents to shop locally.

Locally, Dorset Council is offering free parking in Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester and Lyme Regis (see below).

The free parking incentive aims to encourage residents to support local businesses by shopping locally and attending events.

For most sites in west Dorset, free parking will be available on Saturday, December 3 during the "Small Business Saturday" event.

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights successful small businesses and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support communities.

Drivers should be aware that on-street parking charges and private car park charges will still apply.

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.

If drivers normally use an online service to pay for their parking, they should check the car park's charges boards/ticket machines for details of free parking. If free parking is advertised on that day, they do not need to buy an online ticket.

Dorset Council car parks offering free parking in the lead up to Christmas:

Beaminster

Small Business Saturday 3 December in the following car parks:

The Square

Yarn Barton

Bridport

Small Business Saturday 3 December in the following car parks:

East Street

Hope Terrace

Rope Walks

South Street

West Street

Wykes Court

Dorchester

26 November, Small Business Saturday 3 December, and 15 December in the following car parks:

Acland Road

Durngate Street

Fairfield

Old Market

Top O Town

Trinity Street (south)

Wollaston Field

Lyme Regis

Small Business Saturday 3 December, and 21 December in the following car parks:

Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth

Charmouth Road

Broad Street

Cobb Gate

Holmbush