With the rainy British weather finally hotting up the chances are most of us are going to make a beeline for the sun in the coming weeks. But baring all may not be such a good idea. Here Mary Fry, senior health promotion specialist for New Forest Primarty Care Trust, explains the risk people face in the midday sun..

SUNBURN AND SUNSTROKE:

Spending too much time in the sun, or not using adequate protection can blister your skin and make it peel.

Burnt skin doesn't protect you against burning in the future and it doesn't help you tan more quickly, just painfully.

Long-term overexposure to the sun, leads to a greater risk of skin cancer and will speed up the ageing of your skin, making it leathery, mottled and wrinkled.

Mary said: "You need to avoid burning and remain well-hydrated, so adults need to drink two litres of water a day."

SKIN CANCER

THE most serious risk from over-doing it in the sunshine is skin cancer.

With cases doubling over the last 15 years and continuing to rise it is now the second most common cancer in the country.

Mary said: "Over 40,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer every year and around 2,000 people die.

She added: "If you have any moles that change shape or become bigger, itchy, bleed or become weepy, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

THE first warning sign of skin cancer is often a small, scabby spot, which does not clear after a few weeks.

Look for changed or newly-formed moles or any skin discolouration. It is normal for new moles to appear until you are about 18 years old.

As an adult you should pay particular attention to any growths which appear on the face or on the backs of the hands.

WHO'S AT RISK?

CHILDREN under five and babies need extra protection during the hot weather. Use a high factor sun cream, sun suits which they can also swim in and hats with a wide brim.

Also at a greater risk of skin cancer are people who burn easily, have already had skin cancer, have a history of severe sunburn, especially if this happened in childhood, or have a large number of freckles.

And it isn't just sunbathers who are at risk. Builders, farmers, gardeners, people who play outdoor sports and anyone who spends time in the sun.

COVERING UP

CLOTHING is the best sunscreen. The more tightly woven the cloth the better it is at blocking the sun's rays. A loose fit will also help to keep you cool.

Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat will shade your face and head, the areas which suffer most from sunlight, and will protect your nose and ears. And don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes.

SUN CREAM

CHOOSE a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Spread it liberally, taking particular care to cover rarely exposed parts of the body. Pay attention to ears, lips and bald patches and remember to reapply often, especially after swimming.