FESTIVE shoppers are being encouraged to leave their cars behind and take a shuttle bus into Manchester city centre using a new park and ride scheme.

Two sites have been confirmed by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, one at Heaton Park, North Manchester, and the other at Siemen's in South Manchester.

The Heaton Park location, off Sheepfoot Lane, can accommodate up to 280 cars and will allow easy access to the M60 and M66.

Cllr Roger Jones, chairman of the authority, said: "There is always major demand for parking in Manchester city centre in the run up to Christmas and these two park and rides will go some way to accommodating everybody."

Both car parks will be free.

It is expected that both schemes will operate over nine weekends from October 23/24 to December 18/19.