A HEALTH club in north Durham has won a national award for its no-smoking policy.

Bannatyne's Health Club, based at Durham Cricket Club's Riverside Ground, in Chester-le-Street, has been presented with a National Clean Air Award.

The award, an initiative of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, rewards employers who implement effective workplace no-smoking policies.

Bannatyne's has been working closely with local Clean Air Award co-ordinator Mark Denhollander in developing its policy and achieving the award, endorsed by The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation.

The club's general manager, Andy Mockler, said: "Non-smoking is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle and we promote all aspects of wellbeing and fitness to our staff and members."

The award scheme is supported by the Fresh campaign for a Smoke Free North-East which funds and co-ordinates the regional franchise of the National Clean Air Awards.

Regional co-ordinator Lisa Holland: said "Bannatyne's Health Club in Chester-le-Street is a very deserving recipient of this award and it's great that this forward-thinking health club is committed to protect its employees and customers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke."

To apply for an award, go to www.cleanairaward.org.uk or contact Mr Denhollander on 07798 866375.