HASSLE-free shopping is on the cards for Worcester people this Christmas as late-night parking will be free in the run-up to the busy festive period.

Worcester City Council is making the offer for its car parks (except Copenhagen Street, Providence Street and Cornmarket) after 6pm every Thursday, starting this week - the first day of the annual Victorian Fayre.

The event is now in its 12th year and is expected to attract about 10,000 visitors from across the country looking to snap up early Christmas presents.

Various stalls offering everything from soaps and candles to picture-frames and toys, plus a wealth of food and drink are set to transform the city's streets into a real Victorian scene, with street entertainment to keep the crowds happy.

The car parking deal has been organised through a partnership between the city centre retailers' group, part of Worcester City Centre Forum, and the city council's deputy leader Councillor Simon Geraghty, to help promote Worcester as a shopping destination in the run-up to Christmas.

And a vast majority of the city centre stores will be flinging their doors open until late on Thursdays.

Coun Geraghty said: "Worcester has a lot to offer shoppers with its huge range of independent retailers as well as all the high street names you would expect to find in a city of this size and importance.

"The council wants to do its part to ensure the city is easy to get to over the Christmas period and shoppers can make the most of the extended opening hours during the festive season."

The authority's early Christmas present for shoppers will run until Thursday, December 22, with shoppers only having to buy tickets before 6pm.

CHRISTMAS WORCESTER'S LIGHTS: WHAT READERS SAY

Barmaid Sophie Astbury, aged 18, of Claines Lane, Claines, said: "I think they look really nice and the green on them makes them look more festive. They're quite tasteful and not too garish and it does look like they've put some time and effort in."

Mark Turner, aged 21, of Tunnel Hill, Worcester, said:

"I'm really quite impressed with this year's display. They're better than last year - they seem to have more this time and it's definitely an improvement on the show of previous years."

Assistant planning manager Lauren Campbell-Minton, of Medway Road, Newtown, Worcester, said: "I love them - I love everything about Christmas so when the council people pull the stops out and do anything to improve shopping then it just adds to the whole feeling."

Retired Peter Harris, aged 65, of Longfellow Road, Barbourne, Worcester, said: "I think they're great! They're different and I really like the green bits - that's what caught my eye most about them. They definitely seem better than last year's."

Mortgage broker Jeremy Shakes-peare, aged 44, from Evesham, said: "The lights have always been beautiful in Worcester and they always make a big effort. I hadn't noticed the difference this year but when they're lit it always makes the city look stunning."