Bolton's director of public health has welcomed tougher plans to combat smoking.

Lynn Donkin supports the reintroduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which outlines the government's strategy to 'foster a smoke-free generation.'

The bill aims to gradually cease the sale of tobacco products nationwide, curbing the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.

Every year in Bolton, smoking is responsible for approximately 380 deaths, one in four cancer fatalities, and claims the lives of up to two-thirds of its long-term users.

Ms Donkin said: "Smoking harms far too many lives.

"It causes most lung cancers and increases the risk of many other cancers as well as causing stillbirths, asthma in children, heart disease, strokes and dementia.

"It is also important to recognise the unintentional harms of second-hand smoke.

"This is particularly dangerous for vulnerable people like children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing but usually invisible health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease."

The proposed bill also aims to strengthen the current ban on smoking in public places, to further reduce the dangers of passive smoking, particularly around children and vulnerable individuals.

Plans to extend the indoor smoking ban to outdoor spaces have garnered support from residents across Greater Manchester, with eight out of ten people surveyed agreeing.

The new legislation will also prevent vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately branded, promoted, and advertised to children, helping to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.

It will provide authorities with the power to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland while expanding the retailer registration scheme in Scotland.

The measures within the bill are expected to bolster local initiatives in Bolton aimed at achieving a smoke-free environment.

This includes increasing the number of smoke-free outdoor spaces, offering a variety of services to assist individuals in quitting, and proactive enforcement activities to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.

The measures in the new bill are aiming to be a 'vital step to make smoking history' and will work towards having a 'positive impact in Bolton, protecting children, families and medically vulnerable people and our communities.'