VISITORS to festive lights switch-ons are getting an early Christmas present – in the shape of free car parking.

Wychavon District Council is offering free parking in its car parks to coincide with light switch-ons in Droitwich, Evesham, Pershore, which all take place on Saturday, November 26.

Parking will be free in all long and short stay car parks operated in by Wychavon in the towns from 2pm onwards on Saturday.

The council is also offering free parking at its car parks in Broadway, near Evesham, after 2pm on Saturday, December 10 as a treat for Christmas shoppers.

Phil Merrick, head of community services at Wychavon, said: “Supporting our towns at Christmas is really important.

"We have some fantastic shops on the high streets, offering gifts of all kinds and we also support marvellous events to celebrate the festive season.

"There are so many reasons to come and shop locally and providing free parking for the big Christmas events in our main towns is just one of them.”