HOW TO DODGE MIDGES

Summer walks in northern climes can be made hellish by these biting bugs so slap on the Smidge! The nation’s favourite repellent is DEET free and lasts 8 waterproof hours, and you can find a forecast for midge levels at their website (smidgeup.com). Pray for bright sun which the blighters hate, or a breeze over 3mph to blow them away. For serious midgery, a head net will be the best fiver you ever spent. Or try greasing up with

Avon’s Skin So Soft Body Oil (said to be the Marines’ secret weapon) or scoffing Marmite, as midges apparently fall in the ‘hate it’ camp.