A BID to protect teenagers against skin cancer by banning them from tanning salons moved a significant step closer to becoming law today.

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill, put forward by a Labour backbencher cleared its Commons stages in a victory for The Northern Echo's Sunbed Safety campaign.

The legislation now moves to the Lords, where it still faces a tough fight to reach the Statute Book before parliament is dissolved for the general election, probably early next month.

Hailing the Bill's successful third reading, its sponsor, Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan, insisted it would "save lives", adding: "It is important - it will protect young people."

The Northern Echo launched its campaign in 2008, after Katie Turner, from Darlington, was hospitalised after a 20-minute session at a salon.