SUN worshippers the world over may soon be able to turn to a revolutionary sun screen which protects the skin's DNA, following a breakthrough by North-East experts.

Scientists at the University of Newcastle have developed the treatment, which will protect against skin cancer and the ageing effect of the sun.

Experts have hailed the next-generation sunscreen, which could be in the shops soon, as the best way to avoid that unwanted old-leather-sofa look caused by sun-damaged DNA.

Skin cancer is Europe's fastest growing form of the disease and kills between 1,500 and 2,000 people in the UK each year.

The university scientists intend to form a company, DNAcare Systems, to carry forward research by North-East skin cancer expert Dr Mark Birch-Machin and colleagues.

DNAcare Systems will design a type of sunscreen which will be specially developed for its ability to protect the skin's genetic material, or DNA.

Dr Birch-Machin, a reader in molecular dermatology with the university's School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, said: "It is extremely important to be kind to your DNA and protect it from sun exposure, because it's the only copy you will have.

"Unlike a car or washing machine, you can't replace it once it has been badly damaged.

"This sunburnt DNA is like a skin cancer timebomb - and too much sun exposure also leads to skin ageing, meaning your skin starts to look like an old leather sofa.

"Our company will turn a unique idea that was born in the laboratory into a reality.

"We hope to convince the industry to introduce a DNA rating for all sunscreens, as we are convinced this will contribute to reducing the cases of skin cancer."

Accumulation of sun-induced DNA damage in the skin (i.e. sunburnt DNA) is the major cause of skin cancer and skin ageing.

Through his research, Dr Birch-Machin has developed a pioneering test for sunburnt DNA which can show DNA damage to skin over time.

Financial backing from NStar, an independent early technology funding company based in the North-East, has enabled the scientists to bring their research into the commercial world.