CHILDMINDERS in north Durham are being encouraged not to smoke as part of a drive to make the area healthier.

A register of non-smoking nannies is being set up to allow parents to have their children looked after without exposure to cigarette fumes.

Smoke Free Derwentside and the childcare information service of Durham County Council are collaborating in the project.

Iain Miller, chairman of Smoke Free Derwentside, said: "All childminders have to be smoke-free while the child is in their care, but are obviously free to do what they wish before they arrive or once they have gone.

"We wanted to be able to identify for parents, who are concerned about the impact of second-hand smoke on their children, childminders who do not smoke and who do not allow smoking in their home at any time."

Second-hand smoke has a major impact on the health of those who are exposed to it, especially young people, older people and those with existing health problems. It increases the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Sarah Berry, a childminder in Derwentside, said: "This initiative will help to protect children's rights. They have the right to breathe clean air, unpolluted by tobacco smoke or it's by-products."

To find more about the Smoke Free Childminder initiative, contact Mr Miller on 0191-374 4109 or 07900 245825.