MAJOR organisations have thrown their weight behind our campaign to stamp out smoking in the workplace.

Since YES To Clean Air was launched by the Evening Press in May, many organisations in York, Selby and Easingwold have taken the first steps towards stubbing out.

The campaign has attracted support from organisations such as North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and Selby District Council, which were already smoke-free, and York City Football Club, which hopes to become smoke-free.

In the Selby District Council offices, smoking has been banned for some years.

Chief executive Martin Connor said: "Amongst our 400 members of staff we have received a tremendous amount of support for this policy.

"Being smoke-free means that we can offer all employees a clean and pleasant working environment and we believe that this has a positive effect on staff recruitment and retention."

York City communications director Sophie McGill said smoking was still allowed in the stands on match days, but had been banned in the club offices for some time.

The club hopes to canvas the views of its supporters to introduce a no-smoking policy.

Sophie said: "As a major sporting club in the community, we are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and are keen to see all work places in the area become smoke-free."

Aside from the health benefits, stopping smoking can protect you and your family from the dangers of fire.

York Firefighter Pete Clark said: "North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service is supporting the YES to Clean Air Campaign because a smoke-free home is a healthy and safe environment for everyone.

"Making your home smoke-free protects your health and also protects you and your family from the dangers of fire.

"Over the past ten years, 2,000 people have been killed - that's around a third of all deaths caused by fire, and over 20,000 people injured as a result of a fire caused from smoking.

See the supplement in today's Evening Press for more details on YES to Clean Air.

Updated: 11:45 Monday, July 11, 2005