A web site has been launched to help people on a budget travel the world with free accommodation.

Free-stay.com is creating a database of members in all parts of the globe who are willing to offer their spare rooms to other members for nothing.

Founder Lionel Friend said: "Put simply, international members make a room available to members visiting their town and you make a room available to members visiting your town.

"This gives both guests and hosts the opportunity to share and learn local knowledge, customs and lifestyle for free."

Members not only save money but get the chance to stay off the tourist track and take advantage of their host's local knowledge.

Free-Stay tries to match prospective guests and hosts according to their age-group, personal interests and languages.

Mr Friend said: "Our objective is to make travel more interesting and affordable."

For more information or to register, visit www.free-stay.com