LEWISHAM Christmas shoppers can park for free in the run up to this year's festivities.

People will be able to park for free all day in Lewisham Council-run car parks in Blackheath, Catford, Deptford, Forest Hill, Lewisham and Sydenham on December 7, 14 and 21.

December 7 coincides with the traditional start of the Christmas shopping rush and also the UK’s first ‘Small Business Saturday’ - a national campaign to encourage shoppers to shop locally and use independent shops.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: "Town centres are at the heart of our local communities and independent businesses play a huge role in making our town centres the vibrant and prosperous areas they are to work in and to shop."

The offer does not include on-street parking, Lewisham Shopping Centre (which is privately owned) or Blackheath Station car park which is now owned by Network Rail.

For a list of all participating car parks visit lewisham.gov.uk/freeparking