A COUNTY Durham authority is to try to achieve honours for its anti-smoking campaign.

Teesdale District Council is hoping to apply for a gold award in the National Clean Air Awards.

The awards were set up by the Roy Castle Foundation to encourage setting up non-smoking areas.

To be successful, the council has to have completely smoke-free grounds and premises, discourage smoking at entrances and exits, give advice and support for smoking employees who want to quit and have a written no-smoking policy.

The council's director of community services, Mark Ladyman, has recommended the council's community services committee applies for the award.

He said: "There are no financial implications for this award other than if we choose to purchase a plaque or certificate for display in the foyer.

"As smoking affects mainly the less well off in our local communities, the district council can demonstrate community leadership by acting as an exemplar to those who wish to quit."

Smoking cessation advisors from the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust has agreed to run groupwork sessions during lunchtimes for smokers wanting to give up.