Bottoms up to cut price fun; YOU CAN ENJOY A GREAT TIME AS MANY PLACES OFFER SPECIAL PROMOTIONS.

Byline: LAURA CAREOE

BANK Holiday weekends don't have to break the bank.

Luckily your Chronicle Crunch Buster is on hand to help those who are wanting to enjoy themselves over the Bank holiday weekend.

We have launched a campaign to save our readers cash and aim to be a paper that more than pays for itself with a string of discounts, deals and top-tips to fight the credit crunch.

Today we are giving ideas of where you can go to get more for your money and ideas on what to do on the Bank holiday.

Bars across the region will be open to people looking forward to happy hour and bank holiday specials.

Destination and the Lounge, both on Neville Street, Newcastle, will have their happy hour button game between 5pm and 8pm, giving customers the chance to get their drinks for free, two for one or full price.

And hungry drinkers can get two for one burgers all day at Revolution, on Collingwood Street, Newcastle.

Monday is Vodka Jungle in the converted bank where you can pick up bottles of VK and Stella for just pounds 1.50.

Vodka redbull is pounds 2.50 while selected cocktails will be just pounds 3.

Those wanting to wet their whistle to some indie, rock or soul can head to the Cooperage, on Newcastle's Quayside, where doubles will be only pounds 2.80 and shots are pounds 1.

Banana Joe's, on South Parade, Whitley Bay, are holding a 70s and 80s party all day and have agreed to give away a free shot to each reveller.

They also will be selling selected bottles from pounds 1.50.

If you don't want to spend your time boozing you could visit some of the many museums across the region which are free for all. The Discovery Museum , on Blandford Square, in Newcastle, to see Peace for Your Time?, an exhibition which explores Britain's involvement in conflict and peace post-1945.

Families are invited to call in at Bill Quay Community Farm where entertainment including crafts, vintage vehicle displays and a funfair will be on between 10am and 4pm.

Woodhorn Museum, near Ashington, Northumberland, is hosting a family bike day where adults and children can borrow a bicycle for guided trips around the QEII country park, where you can also get your own bike fixed for free. It starts at 10am until 3.30pm.

With this campaign we want to reduce your shopping bill, find the best mortgage deals, enjoy the best nights out, and find the best value holidays.

We will also continue to help you find the best jobs and offer advice on how to make the best of your cash in the crunch.

And as well as the promotions themselves, we will be running a string of informative editorials and features, offering help and advice on everything from motoring to fashion during the recession.

We are aiming for the paper to more than pay for itself with added value offers in addition to our unrivalled coverage of news and sport..