Flares - When did you last check the expiry date of your flares? Whilst I was replacing my out of date standard flares  - I carry a red pinpoint and orange smoke flare, I came across the PainsWessex Compact Distress Signals Miniflare Mk8.

The lightweight, Pains Wessex Compact Distress Signal pack contains 3 red aerial flare cartridges and a penjector firing mechanism, all enclosed in a tough, water-resistant case. The penjector is fitted with a stainless-steel spring and striker pin. It features a slot for easy loading and unloading of the flare cartridges. These are stored inside the casing on an elastic lanyard to avoid them being lost when the base cap is unscrewed. Each cartridge projects its payload to a height of over 45 metres, burns for up to 5 seconds at a minimum of 10,000 candela and is visible for at least 5 miles in daylight increasing to 10 miles at night, depending on weather conditions. Operating instructions are on the case.