AS people head off for sunnier climes on their summer holidays, health officials in Hertfordshire are warning of the dangers of sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

Hannah Doogan of the Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust said: “People tend to let their guard down on holiday and some may drink and then do things they wouldn’t dream of at home. If you think that sex may be a possibility on your holiday, always be prepared.”

The trust's tips include: buying condoms with the CE quality mark on the packet and take care that they are not damaged by heat, suntan lotion or baby oil.

It reminds young women that contraceptive pills can be made less effective by vomiting, diarrhoea and medicines such as antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs.