A CAMPAIGN to create a smoke-free environment in a north Durham community has marked its first birthday.

Smoke-Free Derwentside held a birthday bash at the Leadgate Community Centre.

In the last 12 months, 90 organisations have gone smoke-free, with most of them opting for the Gold Award of the National Clean Air Award.

The success of Smoke-Free Derwentside is such that one in three National Clean Air awards in the North-East have been awarded to organisations in Derwentside.

Among them are two bars and 16 children's play parks.

Members of Smoke-Free Derwentside, Derwentside District Council and Derwentside Primay Care Trust attended the party, with Leadgate Community Centre caretaker Ken Ball reciting a poem which he had composed for the occasion.

Members of the group include smokers, ex-smokers and people who have never smoked. Some have smoking-related diseases, others have lost relatives as a result of second-hand smoke.

Publicians, hoteliers, politicians, children, teachers, unions, community workers and health professionals are among the many groups represented on Smoke-Free Derwentside.

They are in touch with professionals in other cities and countries who are working to become smoke-free or who already are smoke-free to learn from their experiences including Liverpool, Ireland, Scotland, New York and California.

Dr Maggie Ireland, chairman of Smoke-Free Derwentside, said: "The achievements of the last 12 months far outstrip my wildest dreams.

"They are a testament to the determination of group members and the community in Derwentside to make this a healthier place to live."