IF you tuned into last week's column you'll remember I was desperately trying to cook up some sure-fire, quick and effective money-making schemes in a bid to marry up the number of presents on my seemingly never-ending Christmas present list to the number of pounds in my bank account.

In short, and for those of you who didn't catch last Friday's Wright On! I was moaning about being skint.

And if you sympathised, nay, even recognised my situation as one fairly close to your own financial state of affairs as you read about my plight then, as Angus Deayton would say, have I got news for you.

Read on my friend for enlightenment is on its way. You see, I have single-handedly and most impressively saved myself a stack of hard-earned cash in the last five days while simultaneously losing count of the amount I have saved my friends and colleagues at the same time.

And how? By being a bit shop savvy. That's all. It's easy too, let me tell you. In fact, let me explain. You see, as with so many things in life, my new little money saving scam is all about being in the right place at the right time. Simple.

And when it comes to lunch time in Manchester, my mate and I have now got the situation well and truly sussed. Basically, we've been blagging free lunches all over town. Good or what?

Now before you start conjuring up any unsavoury images can I just say there's been no rooting in the bottom of dustbins for any discarded titbits or plunging headfirst into the nearest skip for anything past its sell by date.

I'm talking top quality nosh and top quality execution here. In fact, I'm talking -- or scoffing to be precise -- some of the best scran the city has to offer weekdays between noon and 1pm. Essentially, what I have discovered is that if you hit certain shops and certain times you can feast like a king for free. Zilch. Absolutely nowt. Naff all. Get my drift?

Take Marks and Spencers for example. Get in there at the right time and you can enjoy a mouth-watering hot barbecue chicken drumstick straight from the oven on the deli counter, a piece of cheese, some nibbles, orange segments -- you name it they've got the lot.

Time it exactly right and you'll be able to wash it all down with a glass of Baileys Cream liqueur, a vintage port perhaps or even a glass of wine. Red or white, of course.

Honestly, I had that many things in my hands I had to put my basket down!

It was the same in Sainsbury's -- though any Jamie Oliver fan will tell you that. But imagine my delight when I headed there the day after only to find little plates of quiche, parcels of exotic cooked meats and giant cookies laid out as special treats for lunchtime shoppers to enjoy. Very civilised I must say.

I actually got myself a sandwich and a bottle of Diet Coke but, quite frankly, by the time I got back to my desk I was fairly stuffed and feeling all together satisfied because I had already troughed for free.

I mean, come on! Everyone likes the odd free lunch, don't they?

I know I do. In fact, it's led me to another Wright money making scheme. The Blagger's Guide to Stuffing Your Face on Top Quality Goods for Nowt.

Great stuff if you ask me. Though I think Marks and Spencer might be heading for a drop in profits.