EXTRA Park and Ride journeys will be available for festive shoppers in Winchester this year.

The city council has teamed up with Winchester BID to fund extra services in the six weeks leading up to Christmas.

Changes form part of an enhanced timetable that began on November 17, including a free Sunday service that will run every Sunday until November 23.

Passengers will also benefit from extra buses on the route between the Westgate and South Park and Ride, as well as extended running times at all sites until 8.30pm.

Councillor Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for transport said: "By introducing our enhanced Christmas service we hope to make life a little easier for our residents by offering them an affordable choice of parking during a very hectic time of year.

"This, together with the knock-on increased footfall in our High Street and the associated benefits for our local businesses means that this arrangement is for the benefit of all.

"It will also help to keep traffic out of the city centre, thereby reducing congestion and pollution.”

Chris Turner, business development director at Winchester BID added: "The Winchester business community is clearly very supportive of this scheme which allows more visitors into our city while at the same time reducing traffic flow."

The full Christmas timetable is available to download on the council’s website: http://www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/christmas-parking.