Hundreds of motorists are descending on Ripon to take advantage of free parking until the end of the month after roadworks hit traders.

North Yorkshire County Council decided to act after remedial roadworks in the Market Place deterred drivers from going into the city centre.

But now signs on the bypass announcing free parking are tempting visitors into Ripon where car parks have been packed. Mayor of Ripon Councillor David Parnaby said the take up for free parking had been excellent.

He said:"It shows that Ripon is open for business despite the roadworks. Before, people were taking one look at the signs proclaiming delays in the city centre and not bothering to drive in."