FOOTBALL fans who smoke are being urged not to light up during a home game next month.

Middlesbrough supporters are being asked to mark National No Smoking Day by keeping their team's fixture with Southampton, on March 19, smoke-free, to build on last year's successful effort when Middlesbrough played Birmingham City.

Boro players will wear "Time to Quit" T-shirts during the warm-up.

There will be T-shirts and foam hands for selected fans, information in the programme, on posters, and on Boro TV.

Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust and the football club's community project are jointly backing the scheme, which has also won the support of Southampton Football Club and Southampton Primary Care Trust.

There will be half-time entertainment during the game and fliers will be distributed, giving those entering a competition the chance to win a holiday to Italy, courtesy of Century FM Radio.

Professor Peter Kelly, director of public health for Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, said: "For smokers, the best way to improve their health and wealth is to pack in smoking today." Anyone keen to give up can call the Middlesbrough Stop Smoking Service on 0800 952 44 33.