YORK tanning shop owners have hit back at a report from the British Medical Association (BMA) which warns of the dangers of using sunbeds and urges people not to use them.

Michelle and Ray Neal, who run Sunshine Tanning Systems in Micklegate, said that if sunbeds were used responsibly they could be hugely beneficial, and that using sunbeds was far less dangerous than uncontrolled sun exposure.

The Neals were responding to today's report by the BMA's board of science and education, which calls on the Government to regulate sunbed use - after research showed that some people were having more than 100 sunbed sessions in one year.

BMA head of science and ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said: "We really need a public health campaign to educate people about the dangers of sunbeds and also myths about tanning.

"A suntan is not a sign of good health. A tan, even when there is no burning, always means that the skin has been damaged. A suntan is not nature's own sunscreen, it does not protect you from ultra-violet radiation.

"It's ironic, people use sunbeds because they think they'll look better, and yet they will probably end up looking old prematurely and possibly getting skin cancer."

The report highlights health risks such as skin cancer, premature ageing, damage to the eyes and suppression of the immune system.

Mr Neal said he agreed that irresponsible salons should be regulated, but that the vast majority of salons already adhered to strict guidelines laid down by the Sunbed Association and the Health and Safety Executive.

He said: "There are positive effects of sunbeds such as the production of vitamin D, we have low levels of sunshine in the UK so it can help people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and some people come in with arthritis or skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema.

"The important thing is controlled use."

Mrs Neal said: "In this country we don't have any sun education like they do in other parts of Europe and when we get a little bit of sun everyone goes out and gets burned.

"With sunbeds the use is strictly controlled and monitored and is much safer."

Updated: 08:58 Friday, April 11, 2003