The European Union is urging holidaymakers to be careful in the sun this summer, in order to stop the increasing level of skin cancers, especially in children.

“Our message to consumers this summer is very clear: be sun-smart this summer and seek protection,” EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said in a statement.

Skin cancer cases have more than doubled in the UK since early 1980s, killing more than 2,000 people every year.

Parents especially have been advised not expose babies to direct sunlight.

“Most importantly, holidaymakers should be fully aware that sunscreen is only one of a number of measures that are necessary for effective protection against the sun,” EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said.

“There is no such thing as 100 percent protection from the sun or a safe tan.”