CARRY ON CAMPING; Evening 30 NEWS ONLINE: www.gazettelive.co.uk MOBILE: m.gazettelive.co.uk Family Life Compiled by MARIE TURBILL and SARAH DALE In association: Follow our top tent tips.

Byline: MARIE TURBILL

HEATWAVES alternating with thunderstorms - British summer is definitely here! Sunshine always makes us think of taking our foot off the gas and enjoying a family holiday. So why not explore the UK countryside and go camping? SARAH DALE finds out more.

WHETHER it's soaking up the sounds at a lively music festival or relaxing in open countryside with loved ones, camping makes a great break away.

Rebecca Silversides, assistant manager at Nevisport in Middlesbrough, says: "I love camping - I went to Keswick last year and have been to a few festivals. I've been camping in France as well. I love climbing so I do a lot of walking to get to the crags to do the climbs."

Rebecca has 10 top tips for trouble-free camping.

1

Take a sleeping mat. "Ours range from pounds 5.99 to pounds 75," says 24-year-old Rebecca. Sleeping mats range from a long piece of foam to inflatable mats. "They make your stay in a tent a lot more comfortable and can add a bit of warmth too."

2

Choose a sleeping bag that's right for the weather. "You won't need a down sleeping bag at this time of year, especially with the heatwave," says Rebecca, from Norton, posing inside a Deuter Travel Lite 200 sleeping bag, priced pounds 44.95, above.

3

Take a good quality tent. "If you're going to a festival most people go for a cheap one with a single layer. Single layer tents can leak if there is continuous rain so two layers are better if you're going on more trips. If you're going with your family opt for a tent with a separate porch to keep your clothes and shoes away from your sleeping area. This is especially important if your clothes are wet and you are trying to dry them. Also one with plenty of headroom so you can stand up in it makes things such as getting dressed a lot easier." The tent (main picture) is The Big Fat Frog 24 from The North Face, pounds 225.

4

Prepare for all weather eventualities. "Always take a waterproof, one that can pack down quite small." Pictured is The Stretch Diad red jacket by The North Face, pounds 149.99, right.

5

Take a torch with spare batteries.

6Don't forget a tin opener.

7

Remember to take a good stove. "Ours range from pounds 17.99 to pounds 124.99. When you're taking a stove you need to remember to take the correct fuel too."

The one in the main picture is called The Pocket Rocket by MSR, pounds 29.99, the Go System Gas is pounds 2.99 and the Trangia Kettle 27 is pounds 11.99.

8Insect repellent and sun cream are also camping essentials.

9

Keep your feet dry. "If you're going walking, here is a good little tip for your boots - put them outside your tent upside down on sticks.

"This lets them dry out without filling back up with water and it also keeps insects out."

10 And finally don't forget to take some toilet roll!

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COUNTRY LIFE: Rebecca Silversides, assistant manager at Nevisport, is a veteran camper Picture by ANDREW