A BAN on the use of sunbeds by children has moved a step closer after assurances from a Government panel that the law could be changed.

The Northern Echo’s Sunbed Safety campaign was launched in July after 15-yearold Katie Turner, from Darlington, was hospitalised after spending more than 20 minutes under lamps at a salon in the town.

The teenager was taken to accident and emergency with severe sunburn, sickness and headaches. Although solarium owners are advised not to allow children to use sunbeds, there is no law to prevent it.

But an influential Government group has now pledged to work towards a change in the law.

In response to a question from Darlington MP Alan Milburn, another supporter of the campaign, Andrew Langford, chairman of the All- Party Parliamentary Group on Skin (APPGS), replied that he hopes future legislation will ban under-18s from tanning salons.

“I am writing to thank you for your recent parliamentary question about sunbeds and skin cancer,” writes Mr Langford, also chief executive of the Skin Care Campaign charity.

“The APPGS is very concerned about the increasing usage of sunbeds, and especially by the young. It is very sad when you hear of children being burnt on sunbeds.

“I hope your questions and the forthcoming APPGS report on skin cancer will result in better regulation of the sunbed industry and, in time, a total ban on under-18s using them.”

Mr Langford added: “It is extremely disturbing that we live in a country where, on average, every four hours someone dies of skin cancer, many of which have been caused by using sunbeds.”

Mr Milburn, the former health secretary, said yesterday: “I welcome moves to regulate the sunbed industry and protect young people.”

Campaigners hope the law will be changed in line with draft guidelines drawn up by the Health and Safety Executive, which would mean tougher regulation of the sunbed industry.

As well as banning under- 18s, tanning salons would need to be staffed at all times and unsupervised, coin operated sunbeds would be closed down.