AN UNDERCOVER Kirklees investigation has found two sunbed salons allowed children to top up their tans.

The operation, using a 14-year-old girl, tested five outlets following new rules concerning under-18s.

In April, legislation was brought in which made it illegal to offer UV sunbeds to under 18s.

Businesses face fines of up to £20,000.

The operation – by West Yorkshire Trading Standards, Kirklees Environmental Health and the Health Protection Agency – targeted shops across West Yorkshire, including five in Kirklees.

Two Kirklees premises allowed the 14-year-old to tan, with two in Leeds, four in Wakefield, two in Bradford and one in Calderdale.

Environmental health officers have refused to disclose the names of the two Kirklees businesses.

They will not be prosecuting but will send warning letters, and revisit them to make sure they are complying.

On most occasions, the underage tanner was asked to fill out a form giving her date of birth.

Despite disclosing her real age, many businesses still allowed her to use the equipment.

Louise Marshall, environmental health officer at the Health Protection Agency, said: “The relatively high positive rate is of concern.

“However, a it is now hoped that sun bed studio operators will have a greater understanding of their responsibilities.

“This in turn will lead to them to check the ages of youngsters who may be under the age of 18 and, where necessary, refusing them access to their sunbed facilities.”

Jane Nasir, owner of town centre solarium Sunquest, on Victoria Lane, said the industry was taking the new laws very seriously.

She said: “We’re very careful and check the ID of anyone we think is underage. If we are still suspicious we sometimes go on Facebook to check them.’’

Skin damage and skin cancer are both linked to over exposure to UV radiation through sun beds. Regular use puts people at risk.