FOR many people, summertime means barbecues, walks in the park and sunbathing in the back garden.

But for those who have hay fever, it can often be a time to hide indoors.

Itchy, puffy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose may not sound too serious, but it makes for a very uncomfortable time for those that suffer with it.

Hay fever is caused when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen in the air, which has been released by plants during their reproductive cycle.

Grass pollen is the most common allergen, which affects sufferers between May and July — however, some people are affected by tree, weed and shrub pollens at different times of the year.

After more than 30 years of suffering ever summer, Neil Bonnar, head of sport at The Bolton News, found an alternative remedy in a very unlikely place. He is speaking about his experience to mark Allergy Awareness Week, which runs from next Monday, April 20.

He said: "I'd heard that local honey could help relieve the symptoms, so I visited a bee keeper in Lostock and bought a jar for £5. It may sound like a lot but it was worth every penny as I have not had hay fever since.

"Each summer I have a spoonful once a day for a week or so before the pollen season and that takes me through the summer."

Mr Bonnar, aged 51, developed hay fever he was 12-years-old.

He said: "I was searching for gold balls in a field of long grass that was right up to my chest opposite Bury Golf Club. I just remember feeling my eyes puff up start to itch — the usual symptoms of hay fever — although I didn't know that at the time.

"From then on I got it every year up until my mid 40s, which made the summer months very unpleasant. I would always want to holiday by the sea because you don't get it there.

"I tried everything to ease the symptoms such as sprays and antihistamines, but nothing touched it. I tried drinking lots of water, washing my face — everything. But once the pollen is in your system it's too late."

Martin Smith, secretary of Lancashire and North West Beekeepers' Association, says that honey is a known remedy for hay fever.

He said: "Many beekeepers I know have customers who buy local honey to cure their symptoms. The theory is that bees only fly about three miles, so you want to buy a honey from a producer near where you live so the pollen is the same, although the environment in Bolton isn't too much different from a lot of places in the North West."

Allergies such as hay fever affect approximately one in four of the UK's population at some time in their lives. The numbers are increasing each year, with as many as half of all those affected being children.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, Chair of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "If you feel you may be suffering with an allergy, see your GP, who will be able to assess whether the symptoms you are showing are allergy-related or may be caused by other medical conditions.

"Keep a symptoms diary leading up to your appointment, as this will help to identify what might be causing them – these may include rashes, a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, swelling of the lips or eyes, wheezing, breathing difficulties and eczema.

"They may also include digestive problems such as sickness, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly in children under 5.

"Many allergic conditions can be well managed by your GP — however, if your symptoms are more complicated or if you are suffering from several allergic conditions, a referral to a specialist clinic will help to identify what you are allergic to and provide ongoing holistic care and management."