CHRISTMAS shoppers are being offered free parking in Callington and Gunnislake in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Caradon District Council is once again giving shoppers an early present in the form of free parking throughout the district. In Gunnislake free parking will be available every day from December 19 to 24 and in Callington parking will be free on December 6 and 8 and every day from December 21 to 24.

Notices will be displayed in the car parks next to the pay and display machines.

Caradon councillor Edwina Hannaford said: 'The free parking encourages people to do their Christmas shopping locally, which benefits communities, businesses and the environment.

'Buying local is a great habit to get into and the run up to Christmas is the perfect time to explore South East Cornwall's terrific range of highly individual shops and businesses.'

In the winter all Caradon's pay and display car parks offer free parking on Sundays. Discounts on parking at other times are available to Caradon Residents' Parking Card holders. To find out more about the parking card, ring 01579 341359.