RESIDENTS and holidaymakers in Sidmouth have been warned not to get caught out by the belated arrival of the summer sun.

NHS bosses have revealed Devon has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the UK - with over 250 cases of malignant melanoma per year and 40 related deaths.

They say around four in five cases of skin cancer could be prevented through avoiding overexposure and staying safe in the sun.

Steve Brown, NHS Devon’s assistant director of public health, said:

“While our summer has been a bit of a washout so far, weather can be unpredictable, and it’s easy to get caught out and burn accidentally. When the sun finally comes out, be prepared to cover up, and wear a hat, shades, and at least SPF 15 sunscreen.

“It’s also important to remember that it’s possible to burn even through cloud cover in Devon, whether you’re working outside, at the beach, playing sport or doing the shopping.

“It’s also essential to protect children, as their skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. Children who get sunburnt could be at an increased risk of skin cancer later on in life. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.”