CAMPAIGNERS are urging everyone in the region to cast their vote for a smoking ban to help a North-East town lose its worst-place-to-live tag.

Last night's Channel Four programme, The Best and Worst Places to Live, declared that the former colliery town in east Durham as one of the worst places to like in the UK.

Poor educational standards, high unemployment and lack of industry helped explain Easington's lowly condition.

But Ailsa Rutter, acting director of the Fresh campaign for a smoke free North-East, said if people in the region vote for a complete ban on smoking in the workplace it would disproportionately benefit the Easington area.

This is because a high proportion of pubs and clubs in Easington would be exempt from forthcoming legislation because they do not serve food on the premises.

Ms Rutter argues that the ban should cover all workplaces without exception.

"Without a complete ban only 19 per cent of venues in Easington would have to enforce the smoke free legislation, which means many people would continue to be at risk from the dangers of second hand smoke," she said.

For more information on the Fresh campaign for a smoke free North-East and to vote, visit www.freshne.com