And now for something completely free...

Garry Cook has just published Free Days out in Lancashire – a guide to his family’s favourite free days out in the region.

Garry who lives in the Ribble Valley spent three years documenting days out and every one of the 24 venues in his book does not charge.

This makes his guide a godsend for parents trying to keep children entertained over the fast-approaching long summer holidays.

The 39-year-old photographer and journalist said: “Finding things to do with the kids is one of the hardest jobs of being a parent, especially in the summer holidays.

“But the cost of some days out, particularly entrance fees to theme parks, can put a strain on family finances.”

But help is at hand. Garry said: “The reality is you don’t have to spend any money to entertain the kids if you know where to go – and that is where this book helps.

“Lancashire has some of the best parks, playgrounds and countryside in Britain – but it’s easy to forget this in the desperate rush to keep the kids entertained.

“I’ve spent hours searching online for great free days but they can be so hard to find.

“One of the Lancashire tourism websites lists a cinema in Burnley and a garden centre north of Preston as a great family day out.

“When it comes to promoting days out which cost nothing, I don’t think there is the information users need.

“People are missing out on visiting amazing free locations and venues. I felt I could do better and have put together what I think is a fantastic list of Lancashire days out.”

Each venue profile consists of information about why the day out is good, hand-drawn maps and fact boxes, including any possible extra charges like car parking.

The book is available on Amazon and Kindle, with the Kindle version including full-colour photography.