A CHEPSTOW based charity is hoping to help prevent parents from overspending during the long school holidays.

The Chepstow and District Christians Against Poverty debt centre says it sees too many families dipping into the red during the Summer.

Now it wants to remind families of the free or low-cost activities that can be enjoyed instead of putting family finances at risk.

Chepstow and District Centre Manager Lynn Waters said: "When the weather is good, the options are more obvious but when it's wet, you have to be more inventive and it helps to have some good ideas to hand."

Many local councils have activities on offer for children in parks, libraries and sports centres while most museums are free and may have special summer events on offer.

Parents are urged to do their research before the children break up from school.

Lynn said: "I want to say be smart about the summer holidays. Ask yourself, are there any free festivals, free sporting events locally?

"Do your research and make a plan. Decide how much you can afford each week and create a 'treats fund' – however small – and talk about it with your children.

"Involve them in how you will spend it – they will appreciate what happens so much more and it's a great lesson for them."

To find out more, visit http://www.capuk.org">www.capuk.org or call 0800 3280006