HEALTH Secretary John Reid was forced on to the defensive by one of his own staff on a visit to the MetroCentre.

Fiesty Maria Williams, who works for Gateshead and South Tyneside's smoking cessation service, challenged Dr Reid to introduce legislation banning smoking in public places.

Mrs Williams, whose service has the best record in the country for persuading people to give up smoking, criticised the voluntary approach of the Government.

"It's wrong that people, including children, continue to be exposed to second-hand smoke," she told Dr Reid, who was visiting the MetroCentre to see how the newly introduced smoking ban in public areas was going.

But Dr Reid said he was not in favour of a complete ban, favouring persuasion and support for smokers who were determined to give up.

"I think it is always important to let people make their own choice, but we have also got to protect people's liberties in this country. You have got to get the balance right."

After their exchange, Mrs Williams said: "Everyone working in smoking cessation would agree that we need a complete ban on smoking in public places."

She said many shoppers in the MetroCentre wanted the ban to be extended to cafes and restaurants as well as the shopping mall itself.

Dr Reid was presented with a certificate marking a year since the former 60-a-day smoker gave up.

The Health Secretary said a combination of willpower, nicotine gum and support from family and friends had helped him give up.