A doctor from Essex County Hospital in Colchester has urged parents to protect their children from the sun in holiday hotspots.

Consultant dermatologist David Shuttelworth has advised parents to use powerful sun block on youngsters and make them wear T-shirts when swimming.

The warning comes after soaring temperatures in the southern European resorts popular with British tourists.

Dr Shuttleworth, who has worked in Colchester for 11 years, said: "There is a myth that if you swim the ultra-violet light does not get through the water.

"You would not want to go in wearing your Dr Martens, but it's a good idea not to discourage children from wearing a T-shirt.

"Children must not develop sunburn and clothes are considered the best sun screen."

The consultant said he was going on a sailing holiday to Menorca soon and would be making his children - aged eight,12 and 14 - wear T-shirts in the water.

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