Steve joined pupils at the Priory Infant School in Ramsgate to help promote 'SunSmart', the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign.  

The South Thanet MP donned sunglasses, a hat and liberally applied the sunscreen on a glorious day in Thanet to raise awareness of the importance of sun safety. 

Figures show that young skin is more vulnerable to damage from the sun, and, at a time of our lives when we spend a great deal of time outdoors, it is vital to get across the SunSmart message at an early age. Some facts;

Here are ten tips from Cancer Research UK for keeping kids safe in the sun -

• Remember you can burn in the UK
  The Great British sun is quite capable of burning your child! Take extra care at home as well as abroad.
• Know the shadow rule
  If your shadow is longer than you are, then you are safe from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun can burn you.
• Use shade
  Keep babies in complete shade: under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors.
• Cover them up
  Dress children in cotton clothing that is baggy, close-weave and cool. Oversized T-shirts are good for covering most of their skin.
• Use dry clothing
  Remember that wet clothing stretches and can lose up to half of its UV protection – put children in dry clothing after playing in water.
• Protect shoulders and necks
  Don't put children in vest tops or sundresses if they are spending a lot of time outdoors – shoulders and backs of necks get easily burned.
• Wear sunglasses
  Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for children, as soon as they can wear them. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive brands, but toy sunglasses can do more harm than good.
• Find hats they like
  Encourage children to wear hats with brims, especially if they are not wearing sunglasses. The wider the brim, the more skin will be shaded from the sun.
• Use sunscreen wisely
  Apply factor 15+ sunscreen before children go outdoors. Then reapply often to be sure of good coverage. Don't forget their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and tops of feet.
• Remember sunscreen washes off
  Always use waterproof factor 15+ sunscreen when children are swimming or playing outdoors with water. Reapply after towelling.
• Don't forget school times
  Remember play times and lunch breaks on summer school days too. Give children a hat to wear and, if they can't apply sunscreen at school, cover their exposed skin with factor 15+ before they go.

SunSmart is commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK