EFFORTS are being made to make a town smoke-free.

Fourteen cafes and restaurants in Middlesbrough town centre have joined the district council, which has banned smoking in public buildings and leisure centres.

A letter has been sent to 500 businesses asking them to join a campaign to stub out smoking in Middlesbrough - where smoking-related illnesses are the biggest killer.

The letters have been signed by Mayor Ray Mallon and Peter Kelly, director of health improvement and public health at Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust.

Mr Mallon says in his letter: "If you can lend your support to this initiative, you will be making a great impact on the health of the town and enhance the image of Middlesbrough as a town that takes the health of its citizens seriously.''

Professor Kelly said: "We have been encouraged by the interest local businesses have shown, but realise this is only the beginning.

"Smoking's legacy to Middlesbrough is ill health and misery. It is going to take time to turn that round, but attitudes are changing and businesses that realise that will benefit by providing a safer, healthier workplace for their staff and customers.

"That is going to count for a lot.''

Anyone interested in their business becoming smoke-free is asked to contact Middlesbrough Council on (01642) 728666 or the primary care trust on (01642) 352360.