North sunseekers are the worst in the country when it comes to protecting themselves against skin cancer, a survey has revealed.

Although we are aware of the dangers of getting a tan, we do little to guard ourselves against the killer disease.

A nationwide probe carried out by Cancer Research UK for Sun Awareness Week - which starts tomorrow - said folk in the North are the least likely to protect themselves by covering up, wearing a hat or going in the shade.

And while nearly three quarters of North sunbathers do apply sunscreen, the survey found that even though they have lighter skins and burn more easily, only a third of those asked used a high-factor cream.

Spokeswoman Sara Hiom said: "The fact that Northerners are least likely to cover up or go in the shade but most likely to use sunscreen reflects a national trend in the 16-24 age group.

"They think that as long as they wear sunscreen they can still go out in the sun and get a tan, but that is not enough.

"The danger with sunscreen, although it is an important precaution, is that people think they can sunbathe all day, rather than staying out of the midday sun, or wearing a hat and sunglasses."

But Sara warned that going brown is an issue as that is the skin's defence mechanism against the sun. She said: "Although more people seem to be showing reasonable sun awareness, they just aren't acting on it."

Skin cancer is extremely common, with around 65,000 new cases diagnosed each year in Britain.

It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of the most serious form, malignant melanoma, are caused by exposure to the sun.

The survey also revealed that 70pc of people still think suntans make them look healthier or more attractive.