SIX free parking days are being requested for the year in Dorchester.

Town councillors have backed a request to Dorset Council for free parking in its public car parks – mainly in the run-up to Christmas.

The days requested, but not yet agreed, are Sunday May 31 for the Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair; Sunday November 8 for Remembrance Sunday and three days in the run up to Christmas – Saturday November 21 and 28 and Thursday December 10.

In addition the car parks are expected to be free to use on December 5 for Small Business Saturday.

Dorchester BID has requested Saturday, November 14 as an alternative to the Thomas Hardy event in May, which it says would be better for the town's businesses.