CAN YOU HAVE FUNE FOR FREEP

Louisa Gregson, 52, spent a week enjoying herself, without spending a penny

- LOUISA GREGSON

It's that time of year when money is tight and we are all feeling the pinch, right? I'm certainly no exception. Having spent a fortune last month, socialising and buying gifts, my purse strings could definitely do with a rest. But single and living alone, I'm not willing to forgo having a good time and so I set myself a challenge - to spend a week doing lots of fun things without spending anything. Could I manage it?

MONDAY

I head off to my local park with my friend, her two dogs and a hot chocolate made at home and taken in a travel cup (no expensive lattes today!). Fresh air and great scenery comes completely free when you live near lovely parks - which I do.

I often meet friends for coffee, as I work as a freelance writer, but it's so easy to order a sausage sandwich and a coffee, plus a cake to take home for later, and it's usually the best part of £20.

Taking a drink from home and hitting the park with a friend provides the same opportunity to chat - but also fills the senses, is great exercise and helps clear the head.

After our walk my friend invites me back to her house for a coffee - she has a Nespresso machine and it feels just as luxe as one from a coffee shop.

When I get home I feel like I have had a lovely morning out, lots of exercise and fresh air and my total spend is zero.

TUESDAY

After work, another friend and I head off in the afternoon to catch a free classical music concert at a local school of music. The music school puts on free concerts twice a week - where students aged eight to 18 carry out recitals on their chosen instruments.

We find the best seats at the front and marvel as talented teens take to the piano and the violin to produce beautiful classical music worthy of expensive tickets.