CHILDREN at Bridstow, complete with hats, sun glasses and sunscreen, are showing the way to keep safe in the sun this summer.

One year on since youngsters at the village’s CE Primary School took part in Sun Awareness Week, Hereford County Hospital Macmillan nurse Pauline Featonby returned to Bridstow with a reminder about the dangers of the sun.

A skin cancer specialist, Pauline was reassured to find the children had remembered many of the tips about staying safe in the sun.

“Teaching children to adopt a sun-safe lifestyle when they’re young will help reduce the risk of skin cancer,” said Pauline. “Children are more sensitive to the sun, and the sun’s rays are strongest during the summer when they tend to spend more time outdoors.”

She explained that covering up with clothing was the single most effective form of protection. But she urged parents to apply sunscreen to their children’s skin every morning – factor 50 with at least a 4* UVA rating – 20 minutes before going outside.

Bridstow’s 90 pupils, aged between four and 11, were given free sun cream samples and took part in talks on how to stay safe in the sun and how to spot the early signs of skin cancer. One 11-year-old later said that pupils had already changed their attitudes to sunny – and cloudy – days.

Headteacher, Paul Socket said: “We are very grateful to Pauline for making time in her busy schedule to come into schools and help us learn about the need to keep ourselves safe in the sun.” He added: “When the message is delivered by someone with professional knowledge, it really heightens the impact.”

Pauline added: “Our advice is to avoid sun beds, wear high SPF sun screen and cover up in the sun, especially at the hottest times between 11am and 3pm.”

*For more information about skin cancer, visit www.nhs.uk