SHOPPERS visiting Colchester ahead of Christmas are being given an incentive to spend their cash at a town centre store.

Debenhams will pick up the tab for parking for customers who spend £50 or more at its shop in Culver Street West.

The scheme launched today and will run until Sunday.

It will see the retailer reimburse the cost of two hours parking if shoppers spend more than £50 in store.

Customers have to produce a photo or parking ticket at the tills to get the amount deducted from their shopping bill.

Store manager Andrew Ward said: “We want to encourage shoppers to come and not only ‘do a bit of Debenhams’ but also meet with friends and family and get into the Christmas spirit by seeing everything that is going on along their high street.

“We hope that by taking away the pain of a parking ticket that we’ll do our bit to encourage shoppers to hit the high street and rediscover their joy of shopping.”

Shoppers will be also able to avail of free parking on three key shopping days in the lead up to Christmas.

Parking charges will be waived in all Colchester Council-owned town centre car parks from 3pm on the three Wednesdays in the lead up to Christmas on December 5, 12 and 19.

Many town centre boutique and big-name stores will be open until 9pm on these nights.

All of Debenhams stores are taking part in the scheme. To find out more visit bit.ly/2P23kIE.