BUSINESSES have been signing up to join our campaign and banish smoking in the workplace.

Yes to Clean Air, launched by Selby and York Primary Care Trust and the Evening Press, offers support to organisations who want to form smoke-free policies.

Warren's Guest House, in Scarcroft Road, York, has been working hard to ensure its visitors breathe clean air for years.

Owner Richard Warren said guests who wanted to smoke were given a seat outside and a patio heater.

"The majority of people ring up now to request smoke-free rooms or book with us because we are smoke-free," he said.

"We used to allow people to smoke in the public areas downstairs, but we stopped that a while ago because things were moving away from that.

"Smoking not only damages your health, but it damages your furniture and everything smells. Banning it makes everything cleaner and fresher."

Mr Warren said the ban had enhanced his business in every way and urged businesses which were thinking of signing up to "go for it".

He said: "We provide food as well and people don't want to smell of cigarette smoke. It's improved our business no end and people seem to respect the place, especially when they walk in and it smells nice and clean, especially Americans - they hate the smell of cigarettes.

"From time to time over the years we have had people who have decided to smoke in their rooms despite us being no smoking, and the next day we've had to completely strip the room down and wash the curtains because they've smelt of smoke.

"I would say if you're thinking of becoming smoke-free, then go for it."

Sophie Smith, owner of the Tee Hee Expresso Bar, in Easingwold, has also signed up for Yes To Clean Air.

She said: "It's only affected us in a positive way. We get quite a lot of families and people with young children and we're very much a community caf. It's only seen as a positive thing these days."

Any company or organisation can register to receive a support pack to help them become smoke-free by contacting Kate Oldfield, Public Health and Planning Directorate at Selby and York PCT on 01904 724132 or by email on cleanair@sypct.nhs.uk.

Updated: 10:14 Thursday, May 12, 2005