Britons urged to get best of midday sun

Britons have been urged to go out in the midday sun to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D.

Contrary to the "cover up" message in Noel Coward's song about "mad dogs and Englishmen", experts now say some unprotected sun exposure is necessary for good health.

A consensus statement by seven leading health groups and charities recommends ten to 15 minutes of bare skin exposure three times a week in the summer. Surrendering your body to the sun should take place at midday, say the experts.

Before 10am and after 4pm the rays are too weak in the UK even in summer to stimulate vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

But a big part of the message is that people should "never be red" at the end of the day. After ten to 15 minutes it is time to go indoors, cover up, or slap on the sunscreen.

The consensus statement represents the views of the British Association of Dermatologists, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

Key to the advice is striking a balance between adequate vitamin D levels for healthy bones and avoiding skin cancer.