HEALTH bosses are urging people to lobby their MPs for a full smoking ban in public places.

The Government has paved the way for a total ban on smoking in public places by allowing MPs a free vote on the issue.

Now, the borough's health chiefs are urging people to contact Bolton's three MPs, David Crausby, Brian Iddon and Ruth Kelly, in a bid to encourage them to say yes to a full ban.

Public health specialist Deborah Collinson said: "We want comprehensive legislation. Through the Stub It Out campaign and our consultation work we are aware there are lots of people in Bolton who are supportive of legislation designed to protect the health of every worker in every workplace and not just some.

"This might be the last chance for individuals who wish to make smoking history in Bolton to influence this decision.

"They should contact their MP, encouraging him or her to use the opportunity of the free vote to vote in favour of comprehensive legislation."

The borough's political leaders are split on the issue, as Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon backs a full ban, while David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, wants to see a partial ban.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has said she will vote for a total smoking ban, which could be introduced as soon as 2007.

The Bolton Evening News launched its Stub It Out campaign after figures revealed 29.6 per cent of people in the borough smoked. The national average is 27 per cent.

In some areas, such as the Hall 'i'th' Wood estate, this figure can be as high as 65 per cent.

Since the campaign was launched, more than 1,000 people have signed a petition supporting the ban.