NEW figures have revealed almost 90% of homes in the South West are smoke-free.

The latest figures, published as part of the Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign, show 87% of homes in the region are smoke free – up from 78% just two years ago.

The campaign, which aims to protect thousands of children and non-smokers from second-hand smoke, is being run by Public Health England for eight weeks and includes high-profile TV advertising.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, chairman of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “The increase in smoke free homes is great news, meaning many people are no longer being exposed to second hand smoke.

“There are still thousands of children exposed, however, so I want to encourage those parents who still smoke in the home and car to protect their children by only smoking outside.”

Stewart Brock, public health specialist at Somerset County Council, added that more than 80% of smoke is invisible and odourless, so children still breathe in the harmful fumes.

He said: “This smoke contains harmful cancer-causing toxins and poisons that are damaging children across the country every day, resulting in over 300,000 GP visits and 9,500 hospital admissions for children each year.

“Even if you are not ready to quit smoking yet, you can protect your children by always smoking outside.”

Get a free Smokefree kit from www.nhs.uk/smokefree.