A CHRISTMAS park and ride scheme has proved so successful that it will be extended for an extra week.

The scheme has seen more people than ever use the convenient and free service to beat the congestion and overcrowded town centre car parks.

And now it has been extended to run until Saturday, December 29, so that shoppers can bag themselves some sales bargains.

Almost 5,000 trips have been made by shoppers thanks to the opening of a second site for the first time this year.

The Saturday service operates from Warrington Collegiate on Winwick Road and Wilderspool Park, opposite Morrisons.

Shoppers like Sue Jackson have praised the park and ride scheme for its quick service.

She said: "The service is excellent and is a great way to beat the Christmas traffic. There was no congestion getting to the park and ride site and, as I parked my car, there was a bus waiting which took me straight to Golden Square. I was very impressed and will definitely use it again."

The free service runs on Saturdays from the two sites that are signposted and provide more than 800 extra parking spaces. Buses run from the sites every few minutes from 9.30am until 6pm.

All buses used on the service are fully wheelchair accessible and fitted with on-board CCTV system for added peace of mind.