A REGIONAL campaign to protect children from exposure to smoking was launched in the town centre last week during the Summer Beach festival.

‘Smokefree Summer’ will see a series of family-friendly events across the region during the school summer holidays which aim to promote healthy community spaces for all and protect children by reducing their exposure to smoking behaviour.

The events will also look to help to reduce litter and the chances of young children picking up and eating toxic cigarette butts.

Council cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Cllr Andy Bowden said: “It isn’t just about protecting children from secondhand smoke in outdoor spaces – it's more about promoting healthy behaviour to children.

“The more events that become smokefree, the less likely children are to take up smoking – preventing them from entering into a deadly addiction that kills one in two long-term smokers.”

Director of public health, Liz Gaulton, who also chairs the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health Executive Board, added: “We’re committed to tackling the harm caused by tobacco in our communities, especially to children, and want to see more healthy, smokefree family-friendly events in our area."

Anyone thinking about quitting smoking can contact their local stop smoking service for free help and support by visiting www.readytostopsmoking.co.uk or text QUIT to 61825 or phone 01744 586247.