A pilot scheme has been launched in Trearddur Bay - the first of its kind in the UK - to tackle rising skin cancer rates.

A UV 'safety station has been installed along with signage and public messaging to alert beachgoers about the UV risk.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Wales - accounting for a high proportion of all diagnoses - with non-melanoma skin cancer occurring at rates more than twice that of the next most common cancer.

Michelle Baker, chief executive of the Melamona Fund, said: "Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Wales, yet most people still don't act on UV risk in real time. We don't have an awareness problem - we have a behaviour problem."

The scheme is based on international research carried out remotely by a group of nursing students based at Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, as part of a community clincial placement.

Their findings identified a significant gap in public understanding of UV exposure and highlighted the need for visible, community-led intervention, shifting sun safety from passive awareness to active behaviour.

The idea was first picked up on Facebook by Ynys Gybi councillor Keith Roberts, who acted as local point of contact for the Trearddur Bay pilot.

He said: "This initiative reflects our commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities. By working in partnership, we have an opportunity to lead the way in prevention and create a model that can be adopted more widely across Wales and beyond."

Otago Polytechnic's clincial placement has been led by Professor Jean Ross, who has long-standing ties with the region.

"What we identified in Trearddur Bay reflects a wider gap in how communities understand and respond to UV exposure. What makes this project different is that the response is visible, practical, and led at community level. That's where real change happens."

The scheme, launched during Sun Awareness Week, is intended as a scalable model that can be rolled out nationally to other local authorities, who can embed sun safety into everday environments.

Already, there are long-term plans to install more UV stations across Anglesey's beaches, together with 'sungarding' signage and posters as well as workforce training for local beach wardens through a dedicated course.

Sungarding information is also being made available to local schools in the area along with a promotion campaign in the run up to a forthcoming Swim Safe event.

Cllr Nicola Roberts, who holds the public protection portfolio at Anglesey Council, added: "This pilot brings together public health, safety and education in a very practical way."

"By promoting sun safety and giving children and families the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, we are directly supporting their wellbeing while reducing preventable health risks."

"This initiative is a strong example of how early prevention and education can work hand in hand to deliver lasting benefits for our communities."