THE latest attempt to stub out smoking in public moved a step forward in the North-East last night.

Councillors in Newcastle agreed to work actively with other relevant agencies towards developing a smoke-free city.

The move was made in the wake of Liverpool City Council's agreement last month to clamp down on smoking in pubs, clubs, restaurants and public buildings.

Newcastle councillors last night agreed to ensure all council-owned and operated buildings are entirely smoke-free by 2010.

But Councillor Maureen Huddart, social care and health executive member of the Liberal Democrat-run city council, said she hoped it could be achieved a lot sooner than the target date.

The council will also seek to educate and inform citizens about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke, and promote local stop-smoking services to encourage and support people who want to give up the habit.

Other aims of the agreement are to protect non-smokers from the effects of second-hand smoke, and to enforce the law on advertising and sale of tobacco products to minors.

Councillor Nick Forbes said Newcastle should follow the success of anti-smoking moves in New York and Dublin, and Liverpool's aim to be the first smoke-free city in Britain by 2008.

"Local authorities in this country have traditionally made significant contributions to public health, specifically in relation to sewers and public housing, and this is the next great step," said Coun Forbes.

Last night's agreement, which achieved cross-party support, came on the day that anti-tobacco campaigners gave a cautious welcome to reports of Government proposals to tackle passive smoking.

Leaked plans, being studied by ministers, could see a general smoking ban in pubs, restaurants and offices, unless strict licensing conditions are met.

Anyone applying for a licence to allow smoking in a confined public place would have to meet conditions, including the protection of children from contact with smoke and minimising risks to employees.

Campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) described the proposals as interesting, but said that only a blanket smoking ban in public places could protect everyone.