PARENTS in the borough are being urged to be "doubly vigilant" when it comes to protecting their children from sunburn.

Two weeks of sunshine and forecasts of further hot spells have prompted doctors to warn about the dangers of the sun.

Professor John Ashton, regional director of public health, said: "Excessive exposure to sunshine causes skin cancer. It also damages the skin and causes premature ageing. These effects can have devastating consequences.

"That is why it is vital that we protect our children and, particularly, vulnerable babies from the full impact of the sun.

"As a parent myself, I have been amazed over the past couple of weeks at how few parents appear to be following the basic guidance for protecting their children from sunburn."

Guidelines urge parents to keep youngsters in the shade during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 4pm.

It is also recommended that they are dressed in light, loose fitting clothing and babies should always wear a sunhat. A minimum factor 15 sunscreen should be used for the time children are in the sun.