STAFF and young people at a secure unit are celebrating a smoke free year.

The unit, at Aycliffe Young People's Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, introduced a no- smoking policy for all staff, visitors and young people in March while attempting to gain the Working for Health Bronze Award.

The ban was supported by the smoking cessation team from Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, which is helping smokers to quit the habit.

The unit is now working towards achieving the Working for Health Silver Award - designed to encourage and reward employers in their efforts to improve the health of their workforce and build a healthy workplace.