Ryedale shoppers got an early Christmas present when councillors voted them free parking concessions in December.

Throughout most of the month in the run up to Christmas parking in the District Council's parks will be free before 10am and after 4pm compared with the normal 9am to 6.30pm charges.

In addition, parking will be free from 2pm in the afternoon at Malton, Pickering and Helmsley for their Christmas lights switch on celebrations.

The concessions were voted through without debate at a District Council committee meeting following a request from Malton and Norton Chamber of Trade.