A health group is warning people of the dangers of the summer sun during the school holidays.

NHS Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is calling on people to follow Cancer Research’s ‘SunSmart’ guidelines to avoid illness.

These include staying in the shade 11am and 3pm, keeping the skin covered and taking extra care with children.

The CCG says the warnings are part of a wider message it is trying to spread to help people to make the right health choices for their family.

Another health appeal launched by the group is the “Think! Do I really need A&E?” campaign to encourage people to think about their health needs and not to always to go to A&E.

Dr Amol Kelshiker, chairman of NHS Harrow CCG, said: “Being ‘SunSmart’ is part of self- care. Self-care is about how you avoid becoming ill, treat common everyday illnesses and seek help when you need it as well as keeping fit and healthy.

“Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common summer illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest and water.”

“Think! Do I really need A&E? is an easy to understand and good educational tool that helps the public be more confident in their health and wellbeing choices.”