CHESHIRE East Council-run events have all been smoke-free this summer thanks to a new initiative run by Tobacco Free Future.

Most events throughout the summer in east Cheshire were strictly smoke-free and one Middlewich family were fully behind the idea which protected their children from second-hand cigarette smoke.

Laura Humphries, 33, who lives in Middlewich with her husband Keith, son Blake, two, and daughter Elise, 18 months, said: “I support smoke-free events for children, it’s nice to see.

"I think it would make a difference to our children. Both of our parents smoke and we have asked them not to smoke near our children, not even in the garden.

“My son asks what people are doing when he sees them smoking when we are out. I tell him it’s bad for your health and that smoking is why grandad has a bad cough. My daughter has also tried to pick up cigarette butts if she sees them, and that just shouldn’t happen.

“I would like to see more smoke-free events because I really don’t think that children should have to see adults smoking.”

A recent street survey shows 84 per cent of east Cheshire residents support smoke-free outdoor events for children with only seven per cent opposed to the idea.

Cllr Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of adults, health and leisure at Cheshire East Council, said: “We recognise that there is a high level of support and demand for more smoke-free events and spaces in east Cheshire.

“We are committed to tackling the harms caused by tobacco in our communities, especially to children, and want to see more healthy and smoke-free family-friendly events in our area.

"We have joined Smokefree Summer to help increase the number of family events we see promoting a smoke-free policy and hope that more local organisers change their policies to protect children.”

The smoke-free events are also aimed at helping to reduce litter and reduce the chances of young children picking up and potentially eating cigarette butts that are toxic.