Almost 300 people flocked to a special mole screening clinic at the start of Sun Awareness Week.

The event, which coincided with European Melanoma Day, was held at the dermatology department of St Luke's Hospital, Bradford.

Twelve doctors were on hand to check moles at a special drop-in clinic and there was information about sun protection and skin cancer. Pictured is clinical nurse Catherine Wheelhouse, wearing zinc cream and a sun hat for protection. In the syringe is the amount of sun cream needed for just one leg.

There was also a demonstration of the latest spray-on tanning techniques which give a safe tan.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, with about 60 people each year diagnosed with the disease in Bradford.

Dr Andrew Wright, consultant dermatologist at St Luke's, said: "People like the idea that they can come and if they have got something unusual, a doctor will have a look at it for them.''

One of the aims was to raise awareness, as any change in size, colour or shape of moles can indicate skin cancer.

Dr Wright said advice was also being issued on how to stay safe in the sun to link with Sun Awareness Week this week.

He said he agreed with new research which revealed that people know the sun can cause cancer but few take action to protect themselves.

The survey, for Cancer Research UK, found only six per cent of people avoided the midday sun.

"There is some awareness but people are still ignorant what they should do and how," Dr Wright said.

At the open day there was also a collection towards an appeal to create a CD-rom for melanoma patients.

The project has been organised by doctors and nurses who are members of Yorkshire Cancer Network Skin Cancer Group.

The CD-rom will give support and advice to patients diagnosed with melanoma. It will also explain what treatments are available.

"It is going to cost in the region of £10,000 and we are hoping it will be a resource for national use," said Dr Wright. "It will feature interviews with patients who have had melanoma and been through the treatments."

A postal auction for a signed Bradford Bulls shirt is being held to support the CD-rom fund, as well as charity the Skin Foundation. Bids should be sent to the Dermatology Department, St Luke's, Bradford, by May 31. Contributions to the fund can be made via (01274) 365547.