NON-smokers enjoyed a cigarette-free Sunday lunch in East Lancashire pubs - while those wanting a fag were left to 'fume' in outside shelters.

The controversial smoking ban in enclosed public spaces came into force at 6am yesterday.

And we visited one of the area's busiest pubs, the Hapton Inn, Accrington Road, Hapton, to see how it was affecting customers.

Some smokers said the ban was 'awful' and that they felt they were being discriminated' against, while non-smokers at the venue said they were delighted they would no longer go home smelling of smoke.

The landlord of the Hapton Inn, Nicholas Brown, has catered for his smoking regulars and put up a shelter in the pub's grounds.

But in the rain yesterday during lunchtime only a handful of smokers made use of the shelter.

Mr Brown said: "The million dollar question is 'will this ban affect my trade?' "As a non-smoker I think it is a good idea but is it right that the government should force people into it?

"Personally, I think, for health it is a good idea but from a commercial point of view we will have to see.

"When I took over the pub 18 months ago we made half the building non smoking anyway.

"We will have to wait and see whether this will threaten our livelihoods.

"They planned it for July 1 but it has been very unlucky with the weather.

"Who is going to smoke outside in the winter when it is raining and windy?"

One of Nicholas' employees is not a smoker and said he was concerned about his job if pub trade was badly affected.

Simon Calvert, 20, of Station Road, Padiham, said: "The atmosphere is a lot cleaner, but then you get used to being around smoke.

"It's part of the job really.

"The first thing I would do when I got home is have a shower and put my clothes in the wash.

"We will just have to see how it goes.

"Many people come in here, order a drink and smoke at the same time.

"We were talking about this and I am concerned about my job.

"I hope this is all worth it in the long run."