I'm off for some winter sun but how I can get past the mosquitoes without dousing myself in chemicals?

Get on the web and order Alfresco. It's deet-free, made from natural fragrances such as melissa, geranium and lavender, and said to be an effective repellent and a great moisturiser.

Said by whom?

Robert Redford. He and Kristin Scott Thomas used it on the set of The Horse Whisperer. And Jodie Foster used it while filming Anna and the King in Malaysia.

So it's fashionable, but does it work?

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have given it the thumbs up especially for children.

Why haven't I heard of it?

It's a small family business started by Sarah-Lou Reekie who works at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and got the idea after a midge-infested sojourn in Scotland.

• Alfresco comes in two sizes, a 50ml bottle for £5 and a 200 ml size £15, p&p from £2.50. Order on the web at www.alfresco.uk.com or by mail order on 020-8348 6704.