Best way to preserve battery life over the summer.

Seems like it's time to put away the lights until October, so what's the best way to preserve the batteries and avoid problems in the autumn ?
Is it best to completely drain them, keep them partially charged, fully charged, wrap them in the dogs blanket and sing to them at night ... ?
I suspect the first option but I'm sure someone here knows for sure ..

I usually drain the battery completly, and fully charge and discharge the battery one or twice during the summer. Battery still going strong

I think it depends on what type of battery you have Mick but the general instructions are to charge the battery once a month during the off season! The important thing is that the battery should never be completely drained! (Sorry Damo!)

What make/model is your light Mick?

Mine is completely drained and fully re-charged after every use and never had an issue, but your right, it depends on the type of battery you have.

I've 2 lights - a chinese dealextreme one and a nuke proof one. I'm fairly sure I've completely drained both at some stage with no apparant negative impacts

From the Exposure Lights site:

"Long periods of non-use will lower the voltage of the battery. If the unit
is being stored for long periods, please ensure the battery is periodically
charged. We suggest once per month."

Whatever you do don't use my technique, don't charge them for 2 years and put them somewhere were you can't find them.