Small Business Saturday is a day designed to help small businesses compete against the major retailers that have steadily and relentlessly siphoned away their customers.

The event takes place on Saturday (December 3) and to encourage shoppers back to the High Street, Mendip District Council is offering free parking at some car parks across the district.

These are:

• Cattle Market Car Park, Frome
• St John's Car Park, Glastonbury
• Great Ostry Car Park, Shepton Mallet
• Cranhill Road Car Park, Street
• Union Street Car Park, Wells

Residents are asked to note that all terms and conditions of car parking within the relevant car parks remain in force - including maximum time limits. To ensure everyone has a fair chance to enjoy this offer, please don't overstay. Please don't park in disabled bays, unless you are a blue badge holder. And park responsibly, by staying within the parking bay markings, and avoiding hatched lined areas, for safety reasons.

Penalty charges will be issued if you breach the conditions. There is an appeals process, details of which can be found on your parking ticket.

For more information on Mendip car parks, please visit Pay & Display Car Parks in Mendip: www.mendip.gov.uk/paydisplay.

For more information about Small Business Saturday, or to get involved, please visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.