Anti-smoking campaign stepped up

A guide lists eating areas where smoking is not allowed

Anti-smoking initiatives in North Cumbria have been given a boost with the appointment of a tobacco control co-ordinator for the NHS.

Nikolas Storey will be based in Carlisle for the three-year post.

He is charged with developing a North Cumbria Tobacco Alliance, and arranging training and support to reduce the amount of smoking in public places.

A guide to smoke-free eating in the region is also available, listing bars and restaurants with smoke free areas.

Dr Jean Vickers, lead director of public health for the Primary Care Trusts in North Cumbria, said: "The health benefits of smoke free environments are already well recognised, both from the customer point of view, and the staff working in these establishments.

"People should not be forced to breathe other people's smoke, which is why we continue to support a ban on smoking in public places."