Free characters stuck in Bridlington (3)

I believe the answer is:

rid

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'free characters' is the definition.
'rid' can be an answer for 'free' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'characters' bit.

'stuck in bridlington' is the wordplay.
'stuck in' indicates a hidden word.
'RID' is hidden within 'bridlington'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rid that I've seen before include "Free (person of affliction)" , "Throw off, unburden" , "Clear, remove" , "Free, relieve" , "Free (someone of something unwanted)" .)

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