A CONCERT-GOER was left fuming when fans puffed cigarettes in a non-smoking arena - while security staff did nothing to stop them.

Kathryn Harris was even more annoyed after the event at the Telewest Arena, in Newcastle, when she read in The Northern Echo that the building has a new camera system to keep watch on audiences.

Mrs Harris, a VAT consultant, and her husband Ian, a vet, travelled to the ZZ Top concert from their home in Woodside, Barnard Castle, County Durham.

When it started they saw clouds of smoke coming from sections of the audience, and then a man lit a cigarette in front of them, despite no smoking signs.

Mrs Harris said yesterday: "We pointed out the signs to this man but got a heap of abuse in reply. Security staff were wandering about but did nothing about the smoking.

"That was bad enough. But then we read in the Echo that the arena has a new system fitted enabling officials to watch the whole audience closely. What's the point if it does nothing about people smoking?

"It spoiled the concert, for which we paid £30 apiece for tickets."

An arena official said yesterday: "Smoking is strictly banned in the auditorium.

"We will take Mrs Harris's comments on board and ensure that all staff are thoroughly briefed on how to act if anyone in the audience tries to smoke."