CHILDREN are at the forefront of a campaign to discourage adults smoking in a town's parks and play areas.

The initiative is being taken in Middlesbrough where one person dies every day from a smoking-related illness.

Middlesbrough Council has already introduced a smoking ban covering all council and public buildings, the land around them and council vehicles - with the threat of disciplinary action against authority staff caught flouting the new rule.

Now advisory signs urging people not to smoke are being sited in Middlesbrough's play areas and parks.

The town's "green police" already serve fixed-penalty notices on people seen to discard cigarette butts, but there is no legislation to force them not to smoke in open spaces.

Children have designed a sign going up in all Middlesbrough's play areas carrying the message: "No smoking in the park. You can do damage to our lives".

The sign is based on a winning competition entry by 11-year-old Rebecca Robson, from the town's Newlands School - one of 145 entries.

Yesterday, two Middlesbrough councillors, Bob Kerr and Brenda Thompson, helped Rebecca to erect one of the first signs in Pallister Park, in east Middlesbrough.

Her winning design won £100 of sports and play equipment for the Brambles Farm playscheme.

Coun Kerr, executive member responsible for play areas, said: "Well done to Rebecca and all the children who took part in the competition.

"The signs will give visitors to play areas a clear message about the dangers of smoke from a child's point of view.

"Making Middlesbrough a smoke-free town is an aspiration held by many people and the competition shows how important it is to protect young people from harmful smoke."

The council is working with the Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust to reduce smoking in the town.

Coun Thompson, executive member for health and social care, said: "This is a top priority for both organisations and is vital if we are to improve the health of local people."

Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon said just as smokers have the right to choose whether to light up, other people have a right to breathe clean air.