SMOKING will be stubbed out completely at Leighton Hospital in Crewe on November 1.

The ban will apply to all the buildings and grounds at the Crewe hospital and will be celebrated with a launch event and luncheon.

All smoking shelters at both Leighton and the Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust's Victoria Infirmary at Northwich will be removed shortly.

The countdown to becoming smoke-free began in August with both hospitals playing host to displays informing staff, visitors and patients of the move and the reasons behind it.

The trust says it has been working in partnership with colleagues from Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) to ensure that the implementation of the ban runs smoothly.

PCT smoke-free project worker Rachael Nicholls said: 'This has been a long time overdue and we are 100% behind this move.

'Being part of the health service means there is a duty of care and leadership in health. Anything less than a smoke-free policy under-mines the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.'

Anyone who has problems with the ban is being offered help.

Clare Mannion, who manages the PCT's Stop Smoking Service, said: 'There has never been a better time to stop smoking and stay stopped for good.

'I would like to congratulate Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust in their decision to become smoke-free.'

Smokers who would like help and advice can contact the Tobacco Control/Dependence Team at the PCT on Freephone 0800 085 8818.