A DISTRICT council has scooped a series of awards after taking action to create smoke-free zone throughout its premises - and even its vehicles.

The decision by Chester-le-Street District Council to clamp down on the habit means most council-owned premises in north Durham, including Derwentside and Durham City, will be smoke-free by the New Year.

At a ceremony at Beamish Museum yesterday, Lady Ann Calman presented four Gold National Clean Air awards to key council sites.

The awards recognise the efforts taken to protect employers and customers from the effects of second-hand smoke in the Civic Centre, council depots at Bullion Lane and Sacriston and Selby Cottage Nursery and Childcare Centre.

The new smoke-free zones cover the buildings and surrounding grounds, including car parks, and council-owned vehicles.

The council's scrutiny panel chairman, Councillor Geoff Armstrong, who was instrumental in bringing about the smoking bans, said: "Without doubt, this gold award is proof of the commitment of the district council's elected members in protecting the health of its employees from second-hand smoke.

"We have been working in conjunction with its trade unions and their local primary care trust (PCT).

"It also shows its commitment to the health of its residents, by ensuring protection for workers at their two depots and in the childcare centre."

Iain Miller, tobacco control/ smoking cessation co-ordinator for Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT, said: "Some people may query why we are asking people to refrain from smoking in the outdoor areas of these buildings.

"But a public opinion survey that we carried in St Cuthbert's Mall less than one year ago, revealed that the majority of people living in Chester-le-Street wanted smoke-free public areas."

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson, added: "It has taken us just over a year from the initial proposal to going completely smoke-free on the Civic Centre site. I hope this will encourage other councils to follow our example."

Gold awards were also presented to the Chester-le-Street and City of Durham Enterprise Agency, Age Concern and The Food Shop of Claypath, in Durham.

A complete list of all smoke-free venues in Chester-le-Street can be found on www.freshne.com