THE majority of people in the south west favour a ban on smoking in public places, according to a recent survey.

Over 10,000 people took part in a consultation exercise run by the NHS as part of its six-week Big Smoke Debate.

Dr Gabriel Scally, the south west's regional director of public health, said: "This is an issue which affects all of us.

"Many people have recently voted in European and local elections and we want them to keep using their democratic right and make their views known."

People were asked what their views were on smoking in places such as shopping centres, pubs and restaurants and whether these enclosed public places should be smoke free.

To take part in the debate visit www.bigsmokedebate.com/southwest or pick up a leaflet from GP surgeries, libraries or council offices.