Mary Reid

Christmas Park and Ride has been operating for two weeks already, and it will carry on through the January Sales until 17th Jan.

The idea is simple. You can park for free at Chessington World of Adventures, then take the special non-stop bus to the centre of Kingston. The buses run every 10 minutes and the return fare is £1.50 (free, of course, for under 16s), so it's much cheaper and easier than driving into the town.

It's a great idea, and surprisingly rare in the London area. In fact, until a year or so it was the only Park and Ride service in the whole of Greater London.

You'll probably spot some of the drivers in Santa outfits nearer the time.

Talking of January Sales - I think the whole world went to Marks and Spencers today.