LEIGH Market Hall is now a smoke free zone.

Wigan Council's markets team is hoping to make market shopping a more comfortable experience for everyone by asking people to stub out their cigarettes.

Markets manager Philip Edge said: "We are responding to public demand and next year's change in the law.

"Many customers were asking us why smoking was allowed in a closed environment where food was being sold.

"Next year smoking in all enclosed public spaces will be banned, so we are just getting in a little bit earlier."

A ban has been under consideration for some time and the council has consulted market traders, who are backing the stance.

Posters have gone up in Leigh and Wigan market halls informing shoppers about the new policy.