ANTI-SMOKING campaigners are urging people to back a campaign for public places in Darlington to become smoke free.

MPs are expected to vote next month on a ban in pubs and restaurants.

Exemptions have been proposed which would see smoking continue in pubs that do not sell food.

Darlington Stop Smoking advisor Darcy Brown felt this would risk the health of customers and staff.

He said: "It is important that our MPs vote for the interests of the health of the community to protect workers and customers from the effects of second-hand smoke.

"It will be a free vote on the smoke-free legislation so it is important that our MPs know the strength of public feeling."

As many as 34,000 smokers in the North-East could quit for good within a year if a total ban on smoking in public places was introduced, according to Asthma UK and Action on Smoking and Health.

New figures released by the two organisations revealed almost one in three adults in the region smoked.

Both claim a total ban on smoking in public places is the most effective way of reducing smoking prevalence and protecting the health of people.

If you agree that smoking should be banned in all public places, you can write to your MP by adding your name to Asthma UK's smoke free special e-campaign at http://www.asthma.org.uk/involved/time04.php

For help to stop smoking call your local surgery or Darlington Stop Smoking service on (01325) 746131 or 746114.