A PARK and ride scheme will operate in Barnard Castle to ferry shoppers to and from a two-day Christmas market being staged at the Bowes Museum.

The event – on December 15 and 16 – will feature more than 90 stalls and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors.

The market is open 10am to 4pm both days and to cope with the expected rush, a ‘Santa Bus’ operated by Cumbria Classic Coaches will leave the GlaxoSmithKline car park, in the town’s Harmire Road, for the museum at regular intervals.

Disabled drivers unable to use the park and ride scheme will still be able to park free of charge in the museum grounds, on production of their badge.

Others wishing to park at the museum will be charged £5 per vehicle.

It is the first time the popular market has been staged across two days.