SPANISH people suffering the effects of the recession have been hiring out their cars when they are not using them, reports reveal.

They agree where the car will be picked up and dropped off, and a time and price.

One man says he earns between 300 and 400 euros per month and that this not only pays his car running costs, but also helps out with his bills.

Some say they even have a number of regular customers who return to them again and again.

Most cases where private owners rent their cars out are fully legal, using companies which are fully registered and insured, rather than in cash on the black market.

Likewise, homeowners are now tending to let out their spare rooms for extra cash and to help them cover the mortgage.