FOOTBALL fans driving to this weekend's FA Cup tie in Hartlepool are being warned to avoid a car park in the town.

Council officers will not be allowing supporters to park in the Historic Quay car park in the marina today, ahead of two pre-Christmas events.

Santa will be arriving at the quay at 3pm, and the Hartlepool and District Hospice's Light Up A life event will be taking place at 6pm.

A council spokesman said: "We want to alert football supporters in advance, so that they can make alternative plans to park their cars."