WITH summer on its way, young people all over Warrington are doing their best to get a tan before the hot weather requires them to put on some shorts.

However, could looking good this summer possibly endanger your life?

Many people tan by lying in the sun or visiting sun beds.

This gives them a good dose of UVA and UVB, the rays from the sun that cause your skin to brown.

However, these rays also do harm to your skin, greatly increasing the risk of skin cancer (malignant melanoma and non-melanoma), and cause premature ageing.

Malignant melanoma skin cancer causes over 1,200 deaths in the UK every year, and you're more likely to be affected if you have been severely burnt as a child.

Many health services warn against prolonged exposure to the sun and the use of sun beds, so why do people still do it?

Current trends put people under pressure to try desperately to get a tan and they are willing to go to extreme lengths to turn their skin that golden brown colour.

Some people are even willing to let their skin burn in the hope it will eventually tan.

Young people are becoming increasingly likely to use sun beds, even knowing the health warnings.

Although a small amount of sun can be good for your skin, helping it produce vitamin D, the risk of getting skin cancer or experiencing premature ageing seem too much to gamble for that one season of deadly golden perfection.

Shops now sell gradual tanning lotion, which helps build up a tan without damaging your skin.

It is also recommended that you wear factor 15 or above sun cream when in the sun.

So, next time you sit in the sun, make sure you are wearing the appropriate protection!