A BARNSLEY MP has urged sun-seeking residents to stay safe.

Stephanie Peacock, the MP for Barnsley South, encouraged people to look after their skin as school holidays getting into full swing across the borough.

Sunburn can lead to skin cancer, with around 86 per cent of cases in the UK being deemed preventable.

Ms Peacock is highlighting the importance of applying sunscreen and keeping safe in the sun.

She said: “This summer I am encouraging people across Barnsley South to stay safe in the sun throughout the school holidays.

“It is really important to ensure that you apply sunscreen and keep hydrated in hot weather.

“It’s possible to get sunburn even when it is cloudy, so be sure to check UV levels throughout the day.

“The NHS has some great advice on how to stay safe in the sun, which you can find online.”

Sunburn is a clear sign of skin damage caused by excessive UV radiation, and repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, elevate the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers according to Cancer Research UK.

A spokesperson from the charity echoed Ms Peacock’s plea and added: “Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer.

“In the UK up to nine in ten cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun.

“No sunscreen, no matter how high the sun protection factor (SPF), can provide 100 per cent protection from the sun so it should be used together with shade and clothing to give your skin the best protection.”