GATESHEAD'S MetroCentre joins the growing list of public places to ban smoking.

From Monday, the centre will become smoke-free for the first time.

Studies carried out over the past three years found that 86 per cent of shoppers and 70 per cent of retailers supported a smoking ban.

Some restaurants, cafes and bars will still have smoking areas, and outdoor smoking shelters will be provided for shoppers and staff in case of bad weather. Information on designated smoking areas will be available from the centre's customer service desks.

Ron Woodman, the centre's general manager, said: "The decision has not been made without a great deal of research and discussion with our retailers and shoppers.

"We are conscious of the need for freedom of choice, but there is no doubt that no-smoking malls will prove extremely popular with the vast majority of our shoppers.

"There is no restriction on smoking outside the centre and in car parks.

"By providing smoking shelters for use in bad weather and encouraging some of our restaurants, cafes and bars to provide specially designated smoking areas, we believe we can satisfy the needs of everyone."

Dr Bill Kirkup, the regional director of public health for the North-East, said: "There is clear evidence that second-hand smoke damages health, so anything which reduces the amount inhaled this way is a positive step.

"MetroCentre management are to be applauded for taking action that will undoubtedly improve the health of its hundreds of thousands of visitors.

"We hope those responsible for other public premises will follow suit and make the North-East a smoke-free zone."

Health workers will be in the centre on Monday to give advice to people wanting to quit smoking.