MOST people in the region are missing vital weather warnings that could reduce their risk of sun-related skin cancer.

Figures showed that only 32 per cent of people questioned knew what the UV Index was, despite its frequent appearance on TV weather forecasts.

Nearly half of people also admitted they had been sun-burned.

The lack of awareness of the UV Index, which highlights when people should protect themselves from the ultraviolet rays in strong sunlight, has triggered a warning from sun protection expert Professor Brian Diffey, of Newcastle General Hospital.

He said: "Over-exposure to ultraviolet rays, measured by the UV Index, causes skin cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK."

Prof Diffey, who advises Cancer Research UK on sun protection, added: "Given that the incidence of skin cancer is rising sharply in younger as well as older people, it is very important that people in the North-East pay attention to the UV Index and how this relates to their skin-type."

With 83 per cent of North-Easterners describing themselves as light-skinned, he said people in the region needed to take sunburn warnings more seriously.

The results of the survey, commissioned by Boots to support Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign, are being released during Sun Awareness Week to highlight the importance of knowing your skin type and when to protect yourself from the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer.