'Ban sunbeds for under-18s'

Experts have called for a ban on sunbeds for under-18s, saying they are the most likely cause of a huge rise in cases of skin cancer.

Professor Antony Young of King's College London, who is publishing a new study next week, said: "There is almost certainly a link between the increase in the use of sunbeds and the increase in skin cancer. Young women in particular see people on TV with tans, and want the same.

"If the use of sunbeds continues, we will see this rise in the number of skin cancer complaints continue."

More than three million people in Britain now use sunbeds regularly and there are more than 1,500 tanning salons.

Figures released by Cancer Research UK show that skin cancer increased by almost 24 per cent between 1995 and 2000. It is the third most common cancer in women under 35.