THE Christmas Saturday park and ride service is back again to offer the public free and easy parking during one of Hereford's busiest times of the year.

Shoppers can choose free parking at two sites on the outskirts of Hereford and enjoy a bus ride for a nominal fare to the heart of the town centre.

The service delivers you "door-to door" from your car to the Hereford's shopping hub, saving the stress of searching for a parking spot and driving through congested streets.

Councillor Mike Wilson, Cabinet member for Herefordshire highways and transportation, said: "Once again this year, the citizens north and south of the river will be able to trial park and ride facilities over the run up to Christmas.

"Christmas park and ride proved extremely popular last year - evidence that shoppers appreciated the facility which not only helps them, but helps the whole of the city centre during a busy time of the year."

The park and ride sites are:

l Denco Car Park to the north of the city on the A49 (Holmer Road)

l Grafton site, on the A49 (Ross Road)

Herefordshire Council officers reported an enthusiastic response from users last year. One couple had even travelled from Lampeter, in West Wales, to take advantage of the scheme.

Park and ride 2003 will operate every Saturday from November 22 until the end of the year.

Buses run every 15 minutes, starting at 9am, with the last return bus leaving the city centre at 5.50pm. Fares are £1 per adult, with a maximum fare of £2 per car.

Record numbers of people used the scheme last year, and Herefordshire Council expects it will be even more popular this year.

Parking assistants or private security staff will patrol both sites on the six days to ensure cars are secure.