BARE-CHESTED Bolton builders have been given the green light to flex their pecs in public - thanks to a ruling from the European Parliament.

The great British building tradition of stripping off at the first sight of summer sun looked to be under threat.

It was thought that European legislation aimed at protecting workers from exposure to radiation from welding equipment and lasers could mean building contractors would have to cover up as well.

But when MEPs spotted the potential loophole, they voted it down.

They were shocked that natural sunlight could be covered by the legislation.

Now individual governments will decide whether employers should give outdoor workers more protection.

And that is good news for builders in Bolton, especially those employed by G and J Seddon building contractors, of Plodder Lane, Farnworth.

Its construction director, Jonathan Seddon, said: "We thank the European Union for giving us the freedom to choose what clothes we wear when working on our building sites in hot weather.

"We are, of course, always mindful of the effects that the sun can have and urge people to take appropriate precautions."

They will receive the right sunfactor protection from their bosses but they will still be able to whip their shirts off in traditional builder's fashion when its sunny.

And today, Bolton MEP Chris Davies welcomed the vote as a "victory for common sense."

He said: "All people should be made aware of the health dangers from excessive exposure to the sun.

"But there are obvious differences in the risks from sunlight in places as far apart as Athens and Bolton.

"This was not a case where an EU law covering all situations should apply."