PARENTS in East Lancashire are being urged to get SunSmart as part of a national campaign to fight skin cancer.

In a poll by Cancer Research UK, over a third said their child has suffered sunburn. But the survey also showed that many parents were failing to take skin cancer warnings seriously.

In a bid to raise awareness, the charity has distributed thousands of posters - showing two sunburnt children on a beach with the slogan, Kids Cook Quick - to display in nurseries and GP surgeries.

Nurseries across the region are also being asked to implement a SunSmart code.

At St Mary's Nursery, based in St Mary's College, in Shear Brow, Blackburn, there are even plans to plant a tree in the grounds, specifically to create a shaded area.

Until the tree has grown enough to provide adequate shade, outdoor activities, between 11am and 3pm, will be held under a canopy.

The Blackburn nursery has also stocked up on factor 35 plus sunscreen so youngsters are always protected when they head outside. Tracy Ellett, nursery manager, said: "Parents will all be sent a letter explaining how they can help.

"We are encouraging children to wear hats when playing outside and so will remind parents to send their children in with them. People don't realise you can get skin damage so young.

"It is extremely important to get the messages across."

The nursery will also hold a special storytime session at the beginning of the summer term explaining sun dangers and what can be done.

Eric Bancroft, president of the Blackburn District and Ribble Valley branch of Cancer Research UK, said: "We hope the Kids Cook Quick slogan will stick in parents' minds over the summer, as well as remind them to make sure children are properly protected in the sun by following the SunSmart code. Most parents know that it's never OK for a child to go red but may not realise that young skin can burn very quickly, in as little as 10 minutes.

"Skin cancer makes a terrible mess of lives but youngsters need somebody to protect them."