Islanders can benefit from free parking in a number of Isle of Wight Council-run car parks this weekend, as part of the authority's drive to help support businesses.

To celebrate Small Business Saturday, drivers can leave their vehicles, without charge, in all of the council's long stay car parks on December 2.

Parking will be free between 12pm and 6pm, County Hall said.

Meanwhile, as part of its attempts to further support businesses, the council is shining a spotlight on its Innovation Wight programme hub, Building 41.

It operates on a ‘Hub and Spokes’ model, with Building 41 providing co-working (hot desking), event, and meeting spaces.

There are also outreach centres known as spokes in Ryde (Monkton Arts), Ventnor (The Ventnor Exchange), and Freshwater (The Little Boat).

This set up provides widespread access to co-working spaces, business support programmes, and networking opportunities for the Island business community.

There are various options to use the spaces to ensure maximum flexibility; monthly co-working packages for regular use, day passes for occasional use, independent spoke usage, and meeting rooms only.

Co-workers have access to a desk, super-fast Wi-Fi, and free tea and coffee.