A SALISBURY department store has extended its offer to pay for shoppers' parking costs after being proven as a "big hit" in the city.

Last week Debenhams launched a campaign aiming to boost footfall in its store by picking up the cost of two hours' parking when shoppers spent £50 or more in store.

The scheme was supposed to end last Sunday (December 9), but will now run until Christmas Eve.

As long as customers can produce a photo or ticket at the till point as proof of paying for parking, up to £2.80 will be deducted from goods purchased.

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Store manager, Mark Davies, said: “Parking woes have been a pressure point in the region for a long time, so we are delighted that we are able to do our bit to encourage shoppers to hit the high street right up until Christmas Eve.

"We hope that shoppers will not only do a bit of Debenhams but also meet with family and friends and rediscover everything that is going on along their high street.

“We know that Christmas shopping can be stressful but with our free parking scheme and new markets, we hope we can bring a bit of festive cheer to those doing a bit of Debenhams.”

Praise was echoed after the department store's first parking announcement last week by Robin McGowan, Salisbury BID Chief Executive, who said: "Following an unprecedented year in the city, we hope shoppers will take advantage of this free parking offer and support Salisbury’s businesses by shopping local this Christmas.”