VISITORS to Weymouth town centre are being given a helping hand in the run-up to Christmas with a parking offer.

Motorists are being reminded they will only need to pay for an hour's parking and will get the rest of the afternoon free.

This offer is from 2pm in borough-council owned town centre car parks and lasts from Saturday, December 5 to the end of the month.

Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) has worked with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to introduce the incentive for shoppers and visitors.

The offer was reported in the Echo when the council agreed the proposal in October.

Meanwhile, on Friday, December 4 there will be free parking in council-owned town centre car parks after midday to coincide with the BIG Christmas Opening Night.

The event begins at 3pm with the official opening of Weymouth’s first real ice rink by This will be followed by a jam-packed programme of entertainment including Santa’s Parade with his real reindeer, entertainment on main stage, and the BIG Christmas lights switch on at 6pm by the panto stars and Weymouth and Portland Mayor Christine James. Christmas markets will take place at weekends and the week before Christmas in the town centre. The Dorset Farmers Market will take place on Sunday, December 20.

Weymouth’s BIG Christmas runs until Sunday, December 27 with weekend events including a Pop-Up Panto weekend December 5-6 and Out Loud Christmas on December 19-20in partnership with Weymouth & Portland Lions Club.

Nigel Reed, Weymouth BID Manager said: “ It’s time to get your skates on and make the most of the cheaper parking this December by booking a session on the ice rink or a ticket to see Santa!

"Tickets can be purchased now on the weareweymouth.co.uk/Christmas website."

He added: "We would like to thank the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for working with us to enable these parking offers in Weymouth this Christmas; hopefully it will encourage more visitors to come into the town and enjoy the festive spirit."

More information can be found at www.weareweymouth.co.uk/Christmas