PROTECTING babies and small children from the sun has been hammered home in recent years, but the popularity of water sports amongst older children and teenagers puts them at risk because it is so easy to burn when out on the water all day.

Surf paradise Australia has found an answer to the problem, which is catching on over here.

Increasing numbers of tinies are being seen wearing UV-protective swimwear, which covers vulnerable neck and shoulder areas.

But what about older children? asks Hampshire mum Clare Pay.

Clare formed a company called Kulakit, based in Broughton, near Stockbridge, in 1999 after her niece brought a UV suit back from Australia.

"I tried to find something similar for my six-year-old daughter, but my choice was very limited. So I set about designing my own."

She says that research shows that skin is at its most vulnerable up to the age of 16, but that active teenagers out on the water surfing and sailing often do not realise they are burning.

Kulakit has a wide choice of UV-protective clothing for older children, in styles and colours they will approve of. All the kit is made from quick-drying nylon-lycra, laboratory tested to exceed British and Australian standards of SPF 50+.

The company deals by mail order and there is free postage and packaging on all UK orders.

Telephone 01794 301178 for a catalogue, or log on to www.kulakit.co.uk