SMOKERS are being urged to protect their children’s health from the hidden dangers of second-hand smoke in homes and cars, as part of a new campaign.

The Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council campaign follows the passing of regulations by Parliament recently to end smoking in cars carrying children and young people under 18 in England.

Second-hand smoke is particularly harmful to children as they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways. This puts them at risk of serious conditions including respiratory infections, meningitis and asthma.

Cabinet member for health and social wellbeing, Cllr Mary Ovens said: “We welcome the new legislation which is a significant step in protecting children from the health risks of second-hand smoke.

“Research carried out by North-East smoke free group, Fresh, found that nearly one in five smokers in the North-East admitted they still smoke in the car around children and nearly one in three admitted to smoking around children in the home.”

It is estimated that just over 21 per cent of adults in Redcar and Cleveland still smoke which equates to approximately 24,500 smokers across the borough.

The law will come into force on October 1, and people failing to comply could face a £50 fixed penalty notice.

For further information and support to stop smoking contact the South Tees Stop Smoking service on 01642 383819.