BUSINESSES which have banned smoking could be in line for an award.

Health and council bosses are holding a clean air awards ceremony for companies that have stubbed it out ahead of the national ban on smoking in workplaces and other buildings open to the public, being introduced on July 1.

The event will be held on March 14 - National No Smoking Day - at Leverhulme Park.

Organisers are appealing for any local businesses, including hotels, pubs, clubs and restaurants, which have already gone smoke-free to contact them.

Deborah Collinson, workplace programme manager for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "I would strongly urge local businesses, which have been forward-thinking and taken this positive action to protect their staff, customers and contractors from exposure to second-hand smoke, to come forward to receive the accolade that is due to them.

"We would also like to collect comments from them about the process so that we might use these to encourage others to follow suit or to allay concerns if there are any about building compliance for July 1."

A silver award is given when a business bans smoking inside the workplace, while a gold award is given when a business bans smoking inside the workplace, in company cars and in any car parks.

If any business thinks it is eligible for either of the awards, it should contact Mrs Collinson on 01204 377060.