MORE than 300 new entries to the latest Yorkshire Guide to Smoke Free Air prove the county is tops when it comes to relaxing in a healthy environment.

The guide lists cafs, restaurants, pubs, hotels and guesthouses which are totally smoke free or have a substantial no smoking area.

Many of the listings have received the prestigious Roy Castle Good Air Award. This has been welcomed by the Yorkshire entertainer's widow, Fiona Castle, who continues to lend her support. She said: "Roy's lung cancer was probably caused by passive smoking and it's great that there are now so many places in Yorkshire where people can enjoy a drink or a meal without suffering other people's smoke."

David Reed, campaign director of Yorkshire ASH, who compile the guide together with West Yorkshire Smoking and Health, said: "A large majority of the population want a smoke-free zone when they are out for a meal or a drink - indeed a recent poll showed this is one of the first things people consider when choosing where to go."

Debbie Brooks runs the Georgian Tea Rooms in Duncombe Place, York, which is featured in the guide. The caf has had the Roy Castle Gold Award for totally smoke-free dining for about six months.

She said: "People come in because of the award. Ninety-nine percent of the guests don't want to sit in a room full of smoke."

Copies of the new directory can be obtained from libraries and Tourist Information offices throughout Yorkshire from mid-April or from yorkshireash@btinternet.com.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, April 03, 2003