WE love Boots' new Mediterranean range. Bursting with ingredients from sunnier climes - oranges, lemons, olive oil and figs - some of the products smell good enough to eat.

The range is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, combining scientific know-how with natural ingredients, including nourishing honey, which is rich in calcium and vitamins, and organic olive oil - highly moisturising and fantastic for dry skin and hair.

The ingredients are sourced from every corner of the region - rosemary from Spain, Sicilian bergamot and lemon oils and pistachio, hazelnut and mandarin oils from Italy.

Try the refreshing wheat germ, basil and bergamot body wash or the super sweet melon, sugar and mint body scrub to slough off dead skin. Wonderbalm, with olive oil, sage and organic almond is a deep moisturising remedy for dry skin on elbows, knees, heels and lips and a summer essential. Prices start at £3.40.

The Mediterranean beauty range is available in larger Boots stores, including Durham. Call 0845 070 8090 for details of stockists.

New nail bar

IF your hands and nails need attention, why not make your way to Darlington's newest nail bar? Nail Bar 1 offers a whole range of treatments, including manicures, nail art, extensions and manicures for men. "We offer everything to do with nails. It's the complete package," says owner Deborah Allen.

No appointment is necessary and there is an introductory offer of 25 per cent off treatments throughout the week. Nail Bar 1 is at 7 Northumberland Street, Darlington. Call (01325) 483486 for more information.

Hayfever relief

WITH the hayfever season in full swing, millions of people are suffering from sneezing fits, itchy eyes and wheezing. The Mountain Breeze Ioniser provides relief from the allergy by removing pollen from the air, leaving it clean and fresh.

The ioniser works by creating negative ions, which attach themselves to pollutant particles, grounding them to the nearest earth surface. The Mountain Breeze Ioniser emits a constant stream of ions over an area of up to eight metres and can be used in the home or office.

It costs £24.99. Call 0161-947 3111 for local stockists.

Tackle stubble trouble

FOR a smooth, stubble-free summer, get to the root of the problem with the latest in laser hair removal.

The new Lyra Nd: YAG laser, works on a longer wavelength than traditional lasers, discharging the energy deeper into the skin.

Hair will loosen and fall out after two to three weeks. Treatments are normally carried out at four weekly intervals but once a notable reduction has been achieved, a maintenance routine should be followed every two to three months.

Prices start at £55 for a 15-minute session. Laser hair removal is available at Middlesbrough Lasercare Clinic. Call (01642) 854418 for more information.

Family fun day

THORPE Farm Peel House near Barnard Castle will be holding a summer fair on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 from 10am to 5.30pm, with craft displays and tastings of local delicacies. Half the £1 entrance will be donated to the Sick Children's trust at the RVI in Newcastle.

Families can enjoy a barbecue, face painting, bouncy castle, adventure playground, quad biking, off-roading and clay pigeon shooting. On Sunday, there's a beginner's archery experience.

Thorpe Farm Peel House, Greta Bridge, Barnard Castle, County Durham (01833) 627242. Situated on the A66 near Greta Bridge, nine miles west of Scotch Corner.

DID YOU KNOW?

41 per cent of children between the ages of five and 14 are learning to play a musical instrument.