BURY Council has received a Gold clean air award from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation for its anti-smoking policies.

The authority has banned smoking in all its offices and operational buildings, and staff have even been told not to light up off-duty if they are wearing their ID badge.

Private groups who book municipal venues for functions are allowed to smoke, but in restricted areas. A town hall spokesman said the council would follow whatever national policy for licensed premises the Government decides to impose.

The award plaque will be displayed in the entrance of Bury Town Hall.

Dr Peter Elton, Bury's director of public health, added: "Bury Council's lead on smoking will save lives. They have looked at the dangers of second-hand smoking seriously and dealt with it. It also has the fortunate side effect of helping smokers give up.

"Hopefully all of Bury will soon be smoke-free."