BUSINESSES in Darlington have been urged to back a town-wide ban on smoking.

On Monday, Darlington Borough Council banned smoking in its leisure venues.

And at a ceremony at the Civic Theatre, council leader John Williams accepted four clean air awards from the chief executive of Darlington Primary Care Trust Colin Morris.

Councillor Williams said: "By banning smoking in leisure areas we hope the business community will be encouraged to follow.

"The penny has to drop that banning it is not unpopular and will not lose you business. In fact you will gain business as the vast majority of people in Darlington are anti-smoking - so it makes good sense."

The borough council is trying to ban smoking in public places ahead of a 2007 target from the Government.

The Dolphin Centre has been awarded a gold in the clean air awards, for banning smoking inside and outside the building.

The Civic Theatre, Arts Centre and Stressholme Golf Club were awarded silver for banning smoking inside, but providing designated areas for smokers in their grounds.

Mr Morris said the council should be praised for taking these steps three years early.

He said: "About 75 per cent of the population don't smoke and of those who do, about a quarter are trying to give up. It is vital we work together and lead from the front."