Free parking in Folkestone town centre is being extended, it was announced today.

Shoppers and visitors to Sandgate Road in one of the main shopping areas will be able to park for free for an extra hour.

Drivers could already park free for an hour but they will now be able to stop for up to two hours before paying.

The decision was announced by Shepway District Council following wide consultation and is hoped will benefit businesses, shops and restaurants by allowing visitors to stay in the town centre longer.

Leader of the council Cllr David Monk said: "Folkestone is now the most accessible town in Kent for free parking in the heart of the business area.

"Two hours free parking will, we believe, change shopping patterns and it means people can, instead of just popping into the bank, look around other shops in the area - driving up business."

The new arrangements come after consultations with the Folkestone Parking Forum - set up after the controversial parking charges plans were rolled out in September 2012 but were revoked in March last year - and traders in the town.

Disabled parking is also be reviewed by the district council as part of an ongoing strategy to improve parking in Folkestone and the whole of Shepway.

Elsewhere in the town visitors to the Sandgate Road Car Park can park for up to four hours for £1.