A cancer research charity is highlighting sun safety in schools in a bid to cut the toll of skin cancer.

Primary-school children in Bradford are being offered the chance to win a shade canopy for their school in a design competition run by Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign.

The charity is asking youngsters to design a sunhat as part of a national initiative in conjunction with the Government which aims to raise awareness of how to be safer in the sun and protect against skin cancer.

The campaign this year is focusing on children, young people and their carers. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK and is on the increase.

Young skin is particularly delicate and more prone to burning than adult skin. Experts agree that sunburn in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in later life.

Teachers across Bradford should receive their competition and accompanying worksheet over the next week.

In addition to the competition for primary schools, all schools are being encouraged to develop sun protection policies. Posters and postcards will be distributed to secondary schools, universities and cinemas to help spread the SunSmart message.

It is based around these five messages:

Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm

Make sure you never burn

Always cover up with a T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses

Remember to take extra care with children

Then use factor 15 plus sunscreen.

SunSmart co-ordinator, Di Swanston said: "We want children to realise that the sun can be harmful and to be aware of the simple steps they can take to protect themselves. The competition is simple. Children should design a SunSmart hat. While the competition is fun, the worksheet has a serious nature as well."

For more information log on to www.sunsmart.org.uk