One of the region's biggest theme parks pressed ahead with its Be Safe in the Sun initiative regardless of the present weather.

Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, is launching its annual summertime campaign of offering visitors free suncream if they get caught out on a hot day.

Spokesman Janette Gudgeon said: "We all know how unpredictable British weather can be and, in the past, visitors have been caught off-guard by unexpected sunny spells.

"Being a family theme park, the safety and enjoyment of visitors is paramount, especially for young children, so we are offering all of our guests free sun lotion to help promote sun safety and protect them from the sun's harmful rays."

Lightwater Valley also offers the following sun safety tips:

* Try not to spend long periods exposed to the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 3pm;

* Cover up with a hat, wear loose, cool clothing and protect eyes with sunglasses;

* Protect children, as their skin is more vulnerable to the sun's rays. Keep babies out of direct sun completely;

* Apply a high factor sun cream liberally and regularly;

* Drink plenty of liquids as the heat of the sun can sometimes lead to dehydration;

* Cover up and apply sun cream, even when travelling in the car.

Lightwater Valley is open at weekends until June 1; every day from June 1 until September 2; weekends until October 19; and then every day until October 27.