BRADFORD Council is offering free parking at Council-run car parks in the run-up to Christmas.

The authority hopes to encourage people to shop locally with the move.

Councillor Arshad Hussain, the council's executive member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: "Our towns and city centre have a fantastic range of shops, especially with the opening of the Broadway centre.

"There really is something for everyone, without needing to leave the Bradford district.

"Hopefully free parking will be a great incentive to find out what the district has to offer - and an early Christmas present for our residents."

People will be able to park for free in all Bradford city centre Council-run car parks after 4.30pm on Thursdays December 10, 17 and 24.

They can also park for free at the Westgate multi-storey car park between 2pm and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

In Ilkley there will be free parking at South Hawksworth Street Car Park from 3pm on Saturday, November 28 for the Christmas lights switch-on and from noon on Tuesdays, December 8, 15 and 22 and Wednesdays December 9, 16 and 23.

There will be free parking at the Church Green Car Park in Keighley all day on Thursdays, December 10, 17, and 24

In Bingley there will be free parking at the Queen Street and Main Street car parks from 11am on Saturday for the Christmas lights switch-on as well as all day on Saturday December 5, 12 and 19.

In Shipley, there will be free parking at Saville, Atkinson Street, Wharfe Street and Westcliffe car parks from 1pm on Saturday for the

switch-on, as well as all day on Saturdays December 5, 12, and 19.

There will be free parking in the Ian Clough Hall car park in Baildon all day on Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19.

In Silsden there will be free parking in Wesley Place car park all day on Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19.

The usual free parking on offer at Council car parks on certain days will also continue.