TWENTY-EIGHT per cent of people in Bury still smoke, according to the latest survey.

The figures, released by Asthma UK and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), show there are currently more than one in four adults in the North West who smoke.

The organisations estimate that the introduction of a total ban on smoking in public places could help nearly 100,000 people kick the habit.

Manchester topped the poll for having the most smokers with 37 per cent.

MPs will have a free vote on whether to ban smoking from all workplaces and public areas, including pubs and clubs, when the Governments Health Bill is voted on in the next few weeks.