Fright ad aimed at smoker parents

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The new 'Scared' anti-smoking ad

A new television advertising campaign is being launched by the Department of Health portraying children's fear of parents dying through smoking.

The NHS Scared campaign features a young girl saying she is "scared of my mum smoking".

She then reveals she is also afraid "that my mum will die".

Jen Anderson, NHS Stop Smoking adviser for Newcastle and North Tyneside, said "lots of parents" know their smoking has negative impacts on their children.

"Local NHS Stop Smoking Services are here to help anyone who wants to stop smoking, making it up to four times more likely you'll stop smoking successfully," she said.

Graham Taylor, 40, is a former smoker from Walker, Newcastle, who lives with partner Julie, 37, and 10-year-old son Ellis who is diabetic.

He said he knew that his and his partner's smoking habits "must have played" on his son's mind.

Mr Taylor added: "I know that smoking can affect kids negatively - it can prompt them to start smoking far too early.

"Going smokefree is good for us all but it really benefits Ellis as it means he has a healthier lifestyle in a smokefree environment.

"For him as a diabetic it's especially important, as his lower immune system means he is prone to infection."