AN initiative to make recreation facilities in Middlesbrough smoke-free zones has been launched.

From December 1, the council has imposed the ban on public venues it runs - including leisure centres, golf centre, Middlesbrough Theatre and the town hall.

The Rainbow Leisure Centre, in Coulby Newham, went smoke-free last month in a pilot project and public response was positive.

Middlesbrough Council's deputy mayor Bob Brady said: "We hope that our decision to make all public venues smoke-free will encourage other businesses in town, particularly the leisure sector to do the same.

"That would have a massive impact on health in the town and also on the image of Middlesbrough as a place which takes the health and well-being of citizens and visitors seriously.

Professor Peter Kelly, director of public health at Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, said: "Providing smoke-free premises will not only protect the health of the non-smoker, but may be the catalyst for the smoker to give up."

The council will publish a guide to smoke-free and smoking restricted venues.

For help to stop smoking, contact Time to Quit on 0800 952 4433.