SHOPPERS in Redcar are to be allowed more time to park their cars for free in the run up to Christmas.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Teesland, developers of the £26m Regent Walk shopping centre in the town, are preparing for their pre-Christmas car parking concession for shoppers.

Last year, the scheme ran for four weeks and was free after 3pm, but this year the scheme has been extended to six weeks and it will be free after 2pm.

Councillor Sylvia Szintai, lead member for the environment and infrastructure with the borough council, said: "This is such an important trading time for shops in Redcar.

"We want to encourage as many shoppers as possible to come to the town.

"The concession was popular last year and we hope that the extra hour will ensure even more people arrive."

The idea was hatched following talks with Redcar Business Association, which was keen to promote Redcar as much as possible while the major shopping devel- opment takes place in the town.

Association chairman Pat Denney said: "This extra Christmas concession will help our customers and Redcar traders at this vital time of the year."

The concessions come into force on Monday.