BORN-AGAIN biker Peter Ruddick is back on two wheels thanks to his successful battle to give up smoking.

Mr Ruddick, 44, from Consett, County Durham, vowed he would buy himself his first motorbike for many years if he could beat his nicotine habit.

That was back in January 2002 and, more than three years, on Mr Ruddick is feeling fit, healthy and enjoying the freedom of the roads on his new Kawasaki 600cc motorbike.

Tonight, the father-of-four will be one of ten former smokers to be honoured by the Smoke Free Derwentside campaign group.

In what is believed to be the first awards ceremony of its kind in the North-East, smokers who have managed to give up for a substantial period of time will be presented with Personal Achievement Awards.

Mr Ruddick confesses he had an ulterior motive when he told his wife, Angela, he was quitting more than three years ago.

"I told myself that if I could stay off cigarettes for 18 months I would get myself another bike. I love motorbikes and haven't had one for years," he said.

"I suppose I must have saved thousands since quitting, because I was a 20-a-day man.

"I have tried and failed to pack in smoking many times before. I have tried patches, gum, you name it, it didn't work."

Mr Ruddick reckons he would not have been able to stay off tobacco without the support of an NHS smoking cessation group.

"I had been smoking for 30 years. I now feel brilliant. I will never go back."

Businesses that have gone smoke-free will also receive certificates at the awards ceremony at Consett Civic Centre.

Businesses or public places interested in working towards a National Clean Air Award are asked to contact Mark den Hollander on 0191-374 4109.