YORKSHIRE Cancer Research (YCR), a partner in the recent Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal, has received almost £10,000 to expand its 'Sun Awareness' campaign this summer.

Aimed at reducing the impact of skin cancer in Yorkshire, the campaign started last year in partnership with Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, and the Yorkshire Cricket Board.

The charity will use a £9,978 Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery Fund to roll out the project to 778 cricket clubs across Yorkshire, including those in the Bradford district.

Last year, YCR staff and volunteers gave away 20,000 UV wristbands that change colour in UV light and act as a reminder to apply sunscreen.

YCR said cases of skin cancer in Yorkshire increased by 67 per cent between 2001 and 2013, and exposure to the sun, or sunbeds, is the cause of 86 per cent of cases.

Sophie Bunker, community engagement officer at YCR and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, said: "The huge increase in cases of skin cancer demonstrates a significant need to raise awareness in our region.

"This money will provide our campaign with the materials needed to fully engage with the public and ensure the message reaches as large a proportion of the cricket community as possible."