A government-funded study of more than 9,000 children found 6% had used a sunbed and in some areas of the country 40% of teenagers used them every week. Writing in the British Medical Journal, Cancer Research UK called for a ban in England on their use by under-18s.

Voluntary regulation was not working and the figures suggested legislation was needed, the government said.

Scotland has already put legislation in place - due to come into force at the beginning of December - to restrict the use of sunbeds to adults, and Wales has proposed a similar move with Northern Ireland planning a consultation on the issue. A ban would effectively mean the end of coin-operated tanning booths.