HEALTH staff proved how life can be a drag for smokers, when they hauled an inflatable cigarette through the streets of Bolton as part of No Smoking Day.

Surprised motorists and pedestrians watched as the huge cigarette made its way from the Reebok Stadium to the Royal Bolton Hospital with the help of stop smoking workers Tracey Holliday and Gary Bickerstaffe.

They hoped to get the No Smoking message across during the six mile walk.

Ms Holliday said: "The walk was great. People who were walking past us stopped to ask us what it was about and we had no negative comments.

"A lot of people in cars also sounded their horns. We were seen by more than 2,000 people, so we've achieved our aim of making people more aware of National No Smoking Day."

Health bosses also organised the second annual Clean Air awards to coincide with National No Smoking Day.

Local businesses and Bolton Council picked up awards for the work they have done to ban smoking and help people quit.

Royal Mail in Farnworth was given a gold award after banning smoking and training an administrator, Mary Wilson, as a smoking cessation advisor to help people quit.

A spokesman said: "Royal Mail has a number of intiatives to fulfil its health and safety responsibilities to its employees, including supporting those who want to stop smoking."

Bolton Council also received a gold award after banning smoking in all of its building six months before the national ban is introduced in July.

Cllr Frank White, executive member for human resources, said: "I think we all know the effects of smoking, and educating and encouraging people to give up smoking has been very much part of our policy. We have been pro-active in promoting the message and people have been very co-operative."

The Shree Krishan Temple on Deane Road also received a gold award. Harwood Golf Club, Dunscar Golf Club, the Thomas Egerton pub, Myson Towel Warmers, Archangelos bed and breakfast and Warburtons all received silver awards.

Debbie Collinson, from Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "It was a fantastic day, especially as we're two weeks away from our 100 day count down to the ban.

"There has never been a better time for people to quit as more and more places go smoke-free."