SUPPORT for smoke-free pubs is stronger in the North-East than anywhere else in England, according to research.

Figures published today, on World Tobacco Day, show that 78 per cent of people in the North- East who were questioned supported smoke-free pubs.

This figure, which exceeded all other English regions, included 65 per cent who strongly supported a smoke-free environment.

Eighty-three per cent of North-East residents backed this summer's legislation to ban smoking in all enclosed workplaces.

The figure included 69 per cent who strongly supported the new law and is despite the North-East having some of the highest levels of smokers in the country.

Of those questioned in Yorkshire and Humberside 74 per cent said they backed the law, including 57 per cent who strongly supported legislation.

Ailsa Rutter, director of the Fresh, Smoke Free North-East campaign organisation, said: "It is fantastic that the region recognises the importance of this law and fully supports it.

"We know that wherever smoke-free laws have been introduced, they are extremely popular. Importantly, these figures suggest that, because of its popularity, the law is likely to be self-enforcing.

"Our region suffers from the worst lung cancer and heart disease rates in England, with 35 people dying every year from the effects of second-hand smoke in the workplace.

"It's not surprising that people are looking forward to a law which can help to transform the health of the North-East."

The research, jointly carried out by Action on Smoking and Health, Asthma UK, and the British Thoracic Society, builds on recent surveys by the Department of Health and the BBC, which show that the introduction of the smoke-free law is becoming increasingly popular as the July 1 date for its introduction draws near.

The World Health Organisation is calling for smoke-free environments as the only way to protect health, stating that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by 25 per cent and lung cancer by 24 per cent.

After July 1, businesses that allow smoking in workplaces or in substantially enclosed public spaces can face fines of £2,500.

Individuals who light up in banned areas can be given £50 fixed penalties.

* A separate survey of 1,004 people in Derwentside found that 95 per cent knew of and supported the new law to ban smoking in enclosed public places.