Take the keys to a free caravan, with no catches

There are holiday caravans going free at a major caravan parks group this summer - and not just for a break, but for keeps. You'll be handed the keys and become the home's new owner without paying a penny.

Park Holidays UK, which has 25 holiday centres in southern England, says there are no hidden charges or catches to the deal. The holiday home is completely free, and - like all buyers - the new owners will simply pay the standard charge for connection to services, and the annual pitch fee.

It's then theirs to enjoy whenever they wish, and to rent out if they also fancy a second income.

Director of Park Holidays UK, Tony Clish, said that a limited trial of the scheme last summer proved very successful - which is why it's now being rolled out across the group:

"We can do this because every year many owners trade up to brand new holiday homes, and some leave behind smaller, older models - and it's these we offer at no cost, " said Tony.

But although some may be approaching their fifteenth birthday, he said, they still have a good few years of active life in front of them - and each will be given a rigorous safety-check before handover.

The new owners won't even have to pay for furniture, carpets and major kitchen appliances such as an oven and fridge. Each holiday home will retain all of its original furnishings, including the beds.

"It's an absurdly generous offer, but what we're doing is giving people a low-cost way of enjoying holiday caravan ownership in the likelihood that some will trade up the future," said Tony.

"But there will be absolutely no pressure for them to do so, and they can simply hand back the keys at any time - or even take their home with them, if they wish," he said.

Park Holidays UK's seaside parks offer facilities such as swimming pools, spas, children's clubs and attractions, and sports facilities - plus professional shows staged every night.

These facilities are free to owners of the no-cost caravans, as they are to all guests.

More information about the free caravan holiday homes, their locations and their availability - which will vary throughout the year - can be found on the "News" pages at ParkHolidaysUK.com.