British scientists have developed a plaster that treats skin cancer.

The patch emits a photodynamic ight, similar to that already in use to treat skin cancers, and is powered by a battery. The light is used to stimulate an anti-cancer cream on the skin.

The treatment allows a patient to be treated without spending hours in a hospital.

Professor Ifor Samuel of the Universityof St Andrews is one of the scientists who developed the patch.

The technology could also be used to deliver other treatments for conditions such as acne and also for cosmetic treatments.