East Hampshire District Council and Alton Town Council are offering free parking in the town to encourage local shopping in the build-up to Christmas.

Parking will be free in all car parks in the town from 5pm on November 19 for the town council’s Marmot Family Christmas event.

Free parking will also be available in the Lady Place car park from 10am to 2pm every Saturday from November 20 to December 11 to support the Christmas markets.

East Hampshire’s neighbourhood quality portfolio holder Cllr Ingrid Thomas said: “It has been a long, hard couple of years for local businesses and we’re proud to be able to work with the town council to support the events in Alton.

“I encourage residents to check out the events and support local businesses when buying gifts this year.”

Ticket machines will not be covered and RingGo will still accept payments. East Hampshire cannot refund payments which cover the free periods.