I've got one of these permanently in my wallet:

http://www.tickremoval.co.uk/tick_card.html

Cheap, easy to carry, but luckily since I got it last year I've not had to use it so can't yet vouch for how easy or effective it is to use! I always found the tweezer type removers both fiddly and never on hand when needed! Lifesystems also do the same thing

I also read about the distilled vinegar and water based repellent on Facebook. Sounded good, but would want know it worked before relying on it.

Smidge sounds useful Ian, as DEET is nasty stuff. Anyone any experience of how Avon Skin So softly works as a tick repellent? Definitely works on midges!