Wimborne is one of 12 towns in the Dorset Council area where motorists will be able to park free of charge on 3 December, which is Small Business Saturday.

The other towns are Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Wareham and Weymouth.

In addition, there will be no charges on 26 November and 2 December in the following Wimborne car parks – King Street, Allenview, Hanham Road, Leigh Road, Old Road, Park Lane, Poole Road, Pye Corner and Westfield Close.

For details of free parking in the other towns see: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/christmas-information/free-parking-in-council-car-parks-this-christmas.

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.

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.

On-street parking charges and private car park charges will still apply.