POVERTY campaigners have launched a guide for how cash-strapped Fenlanders can save money.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is worried people in the Fens might struggle to survive the costly summer holidays.

They say parents in the area spend an average of �1,515 during the six week holidays despite living in some of the most deprived parts of the county.

The debt-buster charity has now handed out a series of tips to help entertain the kids while counting the pennies to help lift them out of financial meltdown.

Top of the list is a trip to free museums and heritage sites such as Peckover House and making use of open spaces along the River Nene and Wisbech Park.

Libraries can also give mums, dads and their children hours of fun with their head in a book whereas free swimming is still available despite Government cuts.

Fenland CAP centre manager Sue Bradshaw said: “Ideally we would recommend you budget for the school holidays in advance but we know not many of us are quite as organised as that.

“However with minimal planning there are plenty of fun and inexpensive things for the family to do which they will love.”

Other top tips include going to nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries and playing sports in the park.

But if all else fails, CAP says parents could have a baking afternoon at home to make their children some delicious healthy snacks.

They also encourage people to set up tents in the garden to have adventure evenings and saying spotting the butterflies and picking flowers are cost-free ways to keep busy.

Needless to say sitting in front of the television does not feature on their list.