Cricket hero James Anderson has put his skin under the ultra violet spotlight to help promote the dangers of sun damage.

The Burnley-born Sam bowler has spent many hours playing outdoors in the sun while helping England become the number one ranked test side in the world.

Fresh from helping his country to a thrilling test victory against India, the Lancashire Cricket Club star wants to encourage the nation to get serious about skin health.

James, 29, said: “Skin cancer is a serious issue and one that we are keen to raise awareness of, not only for the England team but for everyone involved in outdoor sports - players, umpires, local teams and supporters.

“Unless people get serious about their skin health and have these assessments, then the tell tale signs of sun damage can be missed.

“It’s not just sports players who need to watch out. Everyone is at risk of sun damage, from holidaymakers returning from their summer break to those who work or play outdoors.”

The Professional Cricketers Association has teamed up with the UK firm sk:n Clinics to stress the importance of skin protection and the need to regularly check your skin for sun damage, concerning moles or pigmentations.

All county cricketers including the England squad will be screened this summer, with players undergoing a skin assessment and mole check with one of sk:n’s dermatologists.

Matthew Patey, chief executive of the British Skin Foundation, said: “We know that most skin cancers are caused by long term exposure to the sun so those who spend much of their life outdoors are at greater risk of exposure to UV radiation.

“The good news is that in as many as four out of five cases, skin cancer is a preventable disease.

“These simple skin assessments can identify potential threats and allow early treatment.”

Sk:n Clinics, which has donated £10,000 to the British Skin Foundation to support skin cancer research, is offering free UV assessments and mole checks.

For more information visit www.sknclinics.co.uk or call 0800 028 7222.

SKIN CANCER

* More than 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.

* The most significant risk factor for developing skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight.

* The use of sunbeds and sunlamps can also increase this risk.

* Around 90,000 cases are non-melanoma, and 10,000 melanoma - the deadliest form of the disease.

* Around 2,000 people die every year in England and Wales due to melanoma.

* Treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.