Liverpool Fashion Week Bans Sunbed Tan Models

Models who use sunbeds have been banned from the catwalks of this year's Liverpool Fashion Week.

It means that only models who have never used, or have pledged to stop using tanning beds, can be involved.

The move forms part of Liverpool City Council's 'The Look To Die For?' campaign which aims to highlight the issue of unsafe sunbed use and wants all premises with sunbeds to be licensed.

Half of teenage girls aged 15-17 in the city have used sunbeds, compared to 11% nationally.

It is illegal for anyone aged under 18 to use a sunbed in England and Wales

Amanda Moss, organiser of London Fashion Week, told Sky News: 'The health and well-being of our models is important.

'I want our models to look their absolute best, which means not putting themselves at risk of skin cancer or premature ageing from the sunbeds.

'You don't see orange or brightly-tanned models walking down the catwalk in New York or Paris.

'You can't walk down a street without seeing a sunbed shop. It is such a part of Liverpool culture.

'It is glamourised without people understanding the full health risks.

'You can get a tan out of bottle which is much safer,' she added.

According to Cancer Research UK, using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by almost 59%.

It is illegal for anyone aged under 18 to use a sunbed in England and Wales.