ONE of North Yorkshire's main hospitals will become smoke-free from Monday.

Smoking by staff, patients and visitors will be banned in Harrogate District Hospital, including its entrances.

The local health trust said the move was mainly in response to feedback from patients and the public, who are becoming increasingly intolerant of second-hand smoke and the effects it has on their health.

The policy is also in line with Government plans for the NHS to become smoke-free by the end of next year.

From Monday, all patients, visitors and staff will be asked to extinguish all tobacco before approaching the hospital entrances.

Patients and staff will only be able to smoke in two designated outside areas.

A spokeswoman said: "Support for this new policy has been very positive to date, with constructive collaboration and feedback from staff, patients and the public.

"The trust has plans in place to assist staff and patients to help them limit their smoking, and we will be doing everything we can to educate patients and direct them to the many sources of help and support that are available."

For help in giving up smoking, call the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking service on (01904) 663310 or the NHS Helpline on 0800 169 0169. Help and information is also available at www.givingupsmoking.co.uk or people can talk to their doctor.