Sharon Simpson lived on the Pentagon island in Derby for five months - without anyone realising she was there.  The mother-of-seven started out with just a one-person tent - and ended up with home comforts including a TV, DVD player and solar shower.  She said: "It was lovely - there were times when I just sat in the tent watching TV. You can find all sorts in skips. One man's junk is another man's treasure."

And the 35-year-old only quit her makeshift home to move in with her sister after the leaves fell off the bushes taking away her privacy.  Ms Simpson left her home in June when she was on the brink of being evicted after rows over her boyfriend led to social services becoming involved with the family.  She left her children in the care of her partner's mother and turned down hostel accommodation because she feared being surrounded by addicts.

After starting out with just the basics, Ms Simpson and her partner - who have now separated - rooted through skips and came across items, including sun-loungers, a gazebo and car batteries.  A friend was able to recharge the batteries and Sharon's partner managed to connect the wires into a television, Freeview box and DVD player.  They also bought a solar-powered shower, which produced warm water from a bag hung in sunlight, and a camping stove.

Look... it's still just a tent!

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