FATHER Christmas has given shoppers in Alton and Petersfield an early present, courtesy of East Hampshire District Council. Santa - who bore a striking resemblance to EHDC portfolio holder for innovation and technology Guy Stacpoole - is pictured turning off a ticket machine to herald the first afternoon of free parking which in Alton began last Thursday and Friday. The initiative reflects a desire by EHDC to work with local businesses by not charging for parking in its car parks for six afternoons in the run up to Christmas. Mr Stacpoole, said the move by the council had been widely welcomed. "We have had a very positive reaction from shoppers and traders alike for this scheme. We really wanted to highlight the wide variety of gifts and services that are on offer locally at very competitive prices. "There's something in our local shops for everyone, so why would you want to travel long distances for the pleasure of shopping in an overcrowded city centre?" There will be free parking in Alton from 2-6 pm today (Friday) and next Thursday and Friday (December 15 and 16). And there will be no charge in Petersfield from 2-6 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays December 7 and 8 and 14 and 15) Santa (alias Guy Stacpoole) is pictured here with EHDC parking and highways officer Alisdair Tweddle.