Today could be the first day of a smoke-free existence.

By backing the Yes To Clean Air Campaign, you could live, work and breathe smoke-free air, in an environment protected from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

Yes To Clean Air, launched today by Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the Evening Press, aims to help businesses to become smoke-free.

Organisations who wish to banish smoking from their premises will be offered free advice and support by experts who understand how to roll out a smoke-free policy.

The PCT's Director of Public Health, Rachel Johns, said she wanted Yes To Clean Air to promote a positive message around the area.

"We're not saying you're really bad if you've got a smoke room, we're encouraging organisations to say they want to move to being smoke-free," she said.

"There are restaurants that are smoke-free now and there is evidence that if you have a smoke-free workplace the people who do smoke can cut down and some of them will give up with support; both of these things are very positive."

Liz Page, Managing Director of Newsquest (York) Ltd, was keen to offer her support to the venture.

"As a business we back this campaign to provide a healthier working environment. By saying YES, to clean air, other businesses can encourage their staff to cut back on smoking," she said.

The YES award will be presented when organisations achieve smoke-free premises. A further award is being developed to encourage workplaces to have smoke-freeentrances and grounds.

"If you're serious about this then we can help you; it's about moving forward from where youare now," said Rachel.

"Businesses will see the benefits, with reductions in terms of people being off sick and how much time it takes smokers to have a cigarette.

"This will have a massive impact on health and I'm really excited about it. I think it's a realopportunity to work in partnership and to reallymake a difference.

"Initial feedback is that lots of organisations have already managed to become smoke-freeand that others want help in developing theirpolicies. We would like as many organisations as possible to take part in this campaign."

Updated: 09:45 Monday, May 09, 2005