I AM an 80-year-old ex-RAF serviceman. I spent many years in the tropics before the full effects of damage caused by the sun were realised.

Work was carried out on large expanses of concrete. We wore no hats as they do not mix well with jet engines.

As a result I have had numerous operations for skin cancer, at least five behind both ears, one of which resulted in a skin graft from beneath the right arm.

I attend the local dermatology clinic every three months and usually have another suspect removed.

I get a couple of bottles of sun tan lotion free a year.

In my day suntan lotion was almost unheard of, and unaffordable and not issued to a lowly airman.

Please do not begrudge us all.

Alec Telford, Darlington.