Fresh warnings are being made about the dangers of sunburn amid findings of a new survey which shows two-thirds of teenagers tried to get a tan last year.

Experts from the Health Education Authority have expressed alarm about the discovery since 90 per cent of youngsters knew about the dangers of sun exposure.

Top Bradford dermatologist Dr Andrew Wright, a national expert in skin cancer, has called on parents to hammer home the message to youngsters.

Work to detect skin cancers is also being stepped up in an initiative as part of Sun Awareness Week which runs until Sunday, encouraging all hospital staff in Bradford dealing with patients to look out for signs of the condition.

About 500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the Bradford district, double the number 20 years ago.

Non-melanomas occur due to long-term exposure to ultra violet rays and are linked to outdoor work. These are malignant but usually curable.

Malignant melanomas are less common but are more dangerous because they spread. They are caused by short-term exposure to intense sunlight leading to blistering.

Dr Wright said it was vital people used strong suncreams if they were going in the sun and made sure clothing was thick enough to prevent rays getting through.

This was highlighted last year by his research which attracted worldwide attention showing fans wearing England replica soccer shirts were at risk of sunburn through the cheap material.

People also need to take notice of a new solar UV index now issued in some weather forecasts.

"The majority of skin cancers are attributable to exposure to sunlight. They develop really in people over 40," he said.

"Melanomas are due to severe sunburn - two or three episodes with blistering can make the risk much higher. They can occur any time after the age of 20 but are more common in the middle years of life.

"Parents must educate their children to take care. Parents get them to learn to swim and cross the road safely but don't necessarily instil sun awareness in them at all.

"We've asked all departments within Bradford's hospitals to make staff more aware of the problem not just for themselves but if they notice something a bit odd when dealing with patients."

Signs of skin cancer include changes in the colour, shape or size of a mole. People should also watch out for any bleeding, irregularity in the outline of a mole or any patchy colouration.

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