FAMILIES can now a tried-and-tested guide to free days out in East Lancashire.

Wilpshire dad Garry Cook has spent three years documenting days out with family and friends for a book, also available in digital form, of the best places to visit in the county without spending any money.

Each of the 24 venues is free and the guide, ‘FREE Days Out in Lancashire’, will be useful for parents looking to entertain their children over the school holidays.

The 39-year-old has four family favourites on his list: walking up Pendle Hill steps; cycling at Dunsop Bridge; the Aqua Park at Happy Mount Park in Morecambe; and Withy Grove playground in Bamber Bridge.

Other free-visit locations suitable for families with children aged from one year to teenagers, include Clitheroe Skatepark, Edisford Bridge and Witton Park in Blackburn.

Mr Cook 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 huge strain on the family finances.

“After several days out over a few weeks, even the cost of a few hours at a play barn can leave a parent feeling stressed. But the reality is that 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.

“I have put together what I think is a fantastic list of Lancashire days out.”

The book is available on Amazon and Kindle, with the Kindle version including full-colour photography. The Kindle version can be downloaded to iPads, iPhones, Android and Windows phones.

A digital copy of ‘FREE Days Out in Lancashire’ (in Kindle or pdf formats), is available from www. freedayout.wordpress.com