A NEW fund has been launched to encourage more public places in North Yorkshire to become smoke-free.

North Yorkshire County Council has created the Smokefree Places Fund to be used for community events, signs and events to promote a smoke-free lifestyle.

It is part of the council’s commitment to discourage smoking and help realise the ambition of a smoke-free generation by 2025 and sets positive role models for children.

“Young people in particular consistently overestimate how many people smoke and therefore perceive it to be ‘normal’,” said Cllr Caroline Dickinson, North Yorkshire’s executive member for Public Health, Prevention and Supported Housing.

“By increasing the number of Smokefree Places across the county, we hope that adults will set positive role models to children and young people.

“A smoke free environment can also help to support those smokers who are trying to, or have recently, quit.”

Many public places across Britain are already becoming smoke free, including play areas, school gates, beaches and town squares.

Applications for funding are welcomed from any North Yorkshire organisation responsible for public spaces, and which are permitted to declare places as smoke free.

To find out more and to apply for funding, visit; https://nycc.flexigrant.com.