A PUB landlord is to call time on smoking at his bar.

David Williamson is to introduce a partial smoking ban at the Yorkshire Lass pub, in New Marske.

He is concerned for the health of his bar staff as well as his own health but opinion among his regulars is mixed.

Mr Williamson, 42, said: "I have a good ventilation system, but there is nothing worse than serving people at the bar and having smoke blown in your face.

"I will begin with no smoking at the bar and try and step it up from there - if it does not have a detrimental effect on my sales. I will still keep the bar smoke free.''

A spokesman for Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust said: "We applaud Mr Williamson's plans and hope it will encourage others.''