NHS Lanarkshire has become one of the first health boards in Scotland to sign Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco Free Generation.

The charter aims to ensure that all children and young people are not exposed to the harmful effects of tobacco by 2034 and encourage the next generation of young people to choose not to smoke.

The initiative promoted by the health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland, encourages organisations to examine how they can contribute to the tobacco-free goal.

Chief executive Calum Campbell said: “Our work already focuses on the key Charter principles, so we were more than happy to sign up and encourage others to support every baby being free from the harmful effects of tobacco, ensuring children can play, learn and socialise in places that are free from tobacco, children having access to effective education and young people being offered support to help them become tobacco free.”

Assistant health promotion manager Elspeth Russell, added: “We have made good progress in Lanarkshire over the years by helping people to quit, promoting the dangers of second hand smoke, and encouraging more young people to choose not to take it up in the first place.”

Welcoming NHS Lanarkshire’s support, Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “The children who are just going into nursery school can be the first generation to grow up free from the harm caused by tobacco.”

Further information can be found at www.ashscotland.org.uk/charter