OUR readers are rallying to support our Stub It Out campaign to ban smoking in pubs, restaurants and public places in Bolton.

More than 400 people signed our petition forms and coupons within days of the launch of the campaign in the Bolton Evening News.

A Goverment White Paper is expected next month to raise the possibility of a national ban on smoking in public places, or alternatively allowing local councils to introduce such a ban.

With our readers' support for our campaign, Bolton could be the first to make such a move.

We will pass on our signed petitions to Bolton Council leader Barbara Ronson and the Minister for Public Health, Melanie Johnson.

Jan Hutchinson, Director of Public Health for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "Our number one priority for improving health inequalities in Bolton is smoking cessation and tobacco control."

You can support our campaign by calling into the Bolton Evening News reception area at our offices in Churchgate, Bolton, and signing our petition.

A petition form is also available at most health centres or you can send in the coupon printed here.

Postcards supporting legislation for smoke-free workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, are also now available from the Bolton Evening News offices.

They can be sent to Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street.

If you want to stop smoking, telephone Fresh Focus on 01204 360008 or the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169.