PUBLIC health leaders in St Helens say they are delighted that the House of Lords are following their lead in protecting children from the effect of smoking in cars.

Liz Gaulton, the director of public health in St Helens, says a council-backed voluntary smoke free home and cars campaign for the last six months has been supported by more than 800 people.

Labour peers tabled an amendment to the Children and Families Bill detailing their proposal for England. They said it was about “protecting children".

According to reports, government backbenchers will not be pressed to reverse the change in the Commons.

It is believed they will have a free vote when the bill returns from the Lords.

Mrs Gaulton added: “We’re delighted with the news that there will be a free vote in the House of Commons on protecting children from smoke in cars and from tobacco advertising through glitzy promotional features.

“This leads on from the successful St Helens smoke free homes and cars scheme.”

The Lords amendment also included standardised packaging to protect young people from advertising.

A survey of children in St Helens last year found that half the children live in a household where someone regularly smokes.

St Helens Council along with Tobacco Free Futures has been campaigning for this change in legislation which they claim has more than 80 per cent public support throughout the North West.