The Bolton Evening News' "Stub It Out" campaign to ban smoking in Bolton's pubs, restaurants and public buildings - launched on Thursday - has already won huge support.

Politicians, landlords and health campaigners have given their backing to our Stub It Out campaign.

And, as readers phoned the Bolton Evening News with their views on the debate, council leader Cllr Barbara Ronson revealed her view that a blanket ban on smoking in all of Bolton's public buildings would be introduced in the near future.

Bolton could become the first town in Britain to introduce the "no smoking" policy.

One pub boss Adam Griffiths, manager of the Red Lion at Four Lane Ends, Over Hulton, has also pledged his support and is encouraging other licencees to support the campaign.

Today Bolton North-east MP Brian Iddon vowed to become one of the first people to sign the Bolton Evening News petition calling for a smoking ban.

The MP said it would make the town a healthier place -- and save lives.

Cllr Ronson, speaking from the European Parliament, where she is part of a delegation of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said: "A smoke ban is now looking like a distinct possibility.

"There is a way to go in getting the Government to make these powers available to us but I believe we will get there.

"We are not trying to criminalise smokers but to encourage them to adopt healthier lifestyles and protect people from passive smoking."

The Government is about to publish a new White Paper called Choosing Health which it is thought may give councils the power to make their towns smoke free.

The Bolton Evening News is urging people to return coupons published in the paper and sign a petition at our Churchgate office calling for a ban.

Dr Iddon said he was fully in favour of a nationwide ban on smoking.

He said: "Make no mistake -- this would save lives.

"Initially it would be unpopular but bans in Dublin and New York show smokers will come around to the idea.

"I think this needs to be imposed nationwide so we do not get smoke tourists travelling to places without the ban for a night out."

Dr Brian Bradley, a consultant physician in the Royal Bolton Hospital's Thoracic Department, said: "My colleagues and I at the Royal Bolton Hospital's respiratory team are delighted.

"We fully support the Stub It Out campaign which we believe could help reduce the high numbers of people made ill through the effects of cigarettes."

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "We're delighted to have the Bolton Evening News lending its considerable weight to the battle against tobacco smoke in public areas. We know that it's not just non smokers who are in favour of more restrictions; most smokers also understand the harm tobacco smoke causes."

Alf Barker, health co-ordinator for the council also welcomed the campaign. He added: "Although at present there is no legislation to impose bans, we are working with other groups to promote no-smoking policies in places of entertainment and the workplace."

Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, who was born in Bolton, said: "We have been pressing the Government for a ban and this campaign can only help our cause."

To promote no-smoking policies, premises that have introduced smoke-free and no-smoking areas into their premises are being invited to apply for National Clean Air and Heart of Bolton awards.

So far 17 premises have gone completely non-smoking, 17 have been given the Heart of Bolton Award and 25 have received clean air awards.