EMPLOYERS are being helped to go smoke-free thanks to the appointment this week of an expert.

The appointment of Mark Hollander as a smoke-free public places project worker will realise the vision of the three local authorities in County Durham and two primary care trusts.

Derwentside, and Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trusts (PCT) have formed a partnership with Durham City, Derwentside District and Chester-le-Street District councils to fund the post.

Mr Hollander will be responsible for working with employers to encourage them to provide smoke-free workplaces.

Any organisation meeting the criteria for smoke-free premises will be eligible for the national Clean Air Award.

Iain Miller, a tobacco control and smoking cessation co-ordinator for Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT said: "Every year, there are more deaths associated with exposure to tobacco smoke in the workplace than any other cause.

"Existing evidence is already sufficient to implicate second-hand smoke as a cause of lung cancer and coronary heart disease.

"Moreover, smoke-free workplace policies are effective in eliminating second-hand smoke and in encouraging active smokers to quit.

Smoke-Free Derwentside chairwoman Dr Maggie Ireland said: "In the North-East, there are over 5,500 smoking-related deaths each year.

"However, this statistic hides the hundreds and thousands of people who suffer poor health as a result of active or passive smoking.

"Mark will play a vital role in encouraging local businesses to become smoke-free and reduce the risk of local people from passive smoking."