The guide, filmed by the Lancashire Evening Post's LEP TV crew in association with the University of Central Lancashire UCLan Student Union, shows you how a few pounds can go a very long way.

Community reporter and LEP TV producer Josie Hill said: "With just over £10 we managed to buy or make five gifts.

"Actually we could have done even better than that if we had had more time.

The guide was filmed in Preston and is geared towards students, but Josie said it was "relevant anywhere and to everyone".

She added: "I challenge anyone to watch our Christmas shopping guide and go out and see how many gifts you can buy with a tenner.

"It's a healthy reminder in our consumer-driven era that you can buy or make quality things for very little cash. You just need a little imagination and effort.

Presenter Emma Chibulu, a first year journalism student at UCLan, said: "It is intended to be a fun guide for students, but there is a serious message underneath: Christmas is not about how much you spend and the guilt of not buying enough or not buying the right thing. It may be a cliche but the saying "it's the thought that counts" is true.

If you have any comments, an idea for a video guide or want to get involved in future video guides then get in touch by emailing josie.hill@lep.co.uk or calling Josie on 01772 838104.

The cookie recipe used in the video can be found on the next page>>