LONG, hot summer days will - hopefully - soon be with us. Families will be heading for the great outdoors intent on fun in the sun. That is when adults and children alike put themselves at risk.

Under the ragged ozone layer, the dangers of sunburn have been well documented and highlighted in recent years. Children are particularly vulnerable as they play in sunlight oblivious to the time their fair skin has been exposed.

Sunburn can be unpleasant and painful enough, but skin cancer has been identified as one of the associated risks.

Many weather reports now carry sunburn risk warnings, with recommended maximum times for exposure on sunny days. Schools provide shady areas for children at playtimes and there is an amazing array of protective sun creams available.

Children enthralled in play are at greatest risk; they just do not think to cover up.So all credit to one North Yorkshire family theme park which has just announced a free sunscreen service for its visitors.

Lightwater Valley claims to be the first theme park offering free squirts of sun lotion in its Be Safe in the Sun initiative.

The idea came after the May Day Bank Holiday when many visitors were caught out by unexpectedly sunny weather. So during Be Safe in the Sun Week from May 29 to June 6, thrill-seekers will be given sun safety tips as well as their free dollop of sun cream.

Cynics might say it is a clever promotion for the theme park. But it is also an effective way of promoting the Be Safe message as the summer promises to outshine last year's appalling season.

It takes only a little thought and effort to minimise the risks - limiting the time spent in direct sunlight, wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes, covering up in light, loose clothing, particularly children and babies.

That way the sun can be fun instead of a lethal danger.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.