A council has launched a free initiative to welcome the Eat Out to Help Out campaign.

Maldon District Council has agreed to provide free parking in Maldon Town Centre car parks to help support businesses taking part in the Government's Eat Out to Help Out campaign.

Parking will be free from 11am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during August.

Cllr Adrian Fluker, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "The Council recognises the importance of supporting our businesses and some great partnership work has already been undertaken.

"Offering free parking in our Town Centre car parks during August in line with the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out campaign, will not only support the food establishments for both the lunchtime and evening trade, but by starting the free parking from 11am, we hope other traders will also benefit."

Allison Gray Director of Willow and Fox and Chairman of the Maldon Business Board said: "This is a wonderful boost to the High street at this critical time.

"Local independent businesses have worked hard to reopen their doors and welcome their customers back.

"We hope people will make use of this free parking to support local retail, fashion and services as well as ‘Eating out to help out’.

"I would like to thank Maldon District Council for their support and for working with us and the Maldon Business Board through this tough time and helping us plan for the future."

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme gives diners up to 50 per cent off the cost of their food for sit-down meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

Find out which restaurants in Maldon and Burnham are taking part here.