A BRIDGWATER cycle club for youngsters has told parents to stamp out cigarettes by introducing a smoking ban.

Victoria Park Community Cycling Club has implemented the no smoking policy around all clubrelated activities, both on and off two wheels.

The ban is mainly aimed at parents who bring their children to the club and stay around to watch the cycle sessions.

Steve Hammond, lead coach, said: “The dangers associated with smoking have been well researched and documented.

“It’s very important as adults and role models that we should send out the right messages to young people, smoking is going to affect their health and wellbeing and not forgetting the ability to perform physical activity be it sporting or everyday functional tasks.”

Steve says the policy is supported by everyone involved at the club with parents fully supportive of the move.

In recognition of the policy to help highlight the dangers of smoking, the Somerset Smokefree Alliance has awarded the cycle club a £500 development bursary.

The money will help to support the development of young people, providing them with information and advice to assist them in making the right lifestyle choices, with not smoking being one of those important choices.

Nicola Crocker, tobacco control specialist for public health at Somerset County Council, said: “Our aim is to promote smoke-free outdoor environments and to educate children and young people about the dangers of smoking.”

The cycle club meets every Sunday from 10am to noon at the Victoria Park Community Centre.

For details contact Steve Hammond on 07523307925 or email steve11hammond@gmail.com