Shoppers have been given an early Christmas present as Bradford Council today announced free car parking across the district at certain times of the week.

And First Bradford also brought festive cheer by offering cheap fares on the buses in the run-up to Christmas.

Today traders welcomed the news as a shot in the arm for their businesses.

They say they already got off to a great start last week as Bradford staged its most spectacular-ever Christmas lights switch-on.

Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw, who plays lovelorn hairdresser Max-ine, pressed the switch - complete with artificial snowfall in Centenary Square.

Now, Bradford Council has decided to lift charges at all city-centre car parks from 5pm on Thursdays until December 17. And free parking is also available in the city centre every Sunday until December 27.

And National Car Parks is extending its reduced Saturday rates to include Sundays at its multi-storey in Hall Ings.

Bradford Traveller is offering concessions every Thursday from 6pm up to and including December 17.

A company spokesman said: "We are not trying to drive cars out of Bradford but we want to give people an alternative."

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group Jeff Frankel said the cheap travel news was heartening and trade was going well.

Past president of Bradford Chamber of Trade Mary Frame said: "I am absolutely delighted about the car parks and buses. It is going to help a lot of businesses."

l Late-night shopping in Bradford takes place every Thursday until December 17 with most shops open until 9pm. Shops are also open on Sundays until Christmas from 10.30am until 4.30pm

In Keighley, late night shopping starts tonight after the switch-on of the town's Christmas illuminations at 7pm. There will be late-night shopping until 9pm each Thursday until Christmas.

The Ilkley Independent Trader's Association is staging a special party night on Tuesday, December 15. Entertainers will be there as independent retailers open their doors until 9pm.

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