MORE than 750 children across East Lancashire will be protected from second-hand smoke after their households signed a smoke-free pledge.

The campaign, led by local community health professionals, has been set up to stop parents and grandparents smoking in their home and in the presence of youngsters.

Health experts say that in homes where both parents smoke, children have a 72 per cent increased risk of breathing-related illness, a 50 per cent increased risk of asthma and a 40 per cent increased risk of middle ear disease, which can lead to deafness.

East Lancashire Primary Care Trust is backing the smoke-free initiative.

It has supported the initiative in Hyndburn, Burnley, Rossendale, Ribble Valley and is now focusing on making an impact in the Pendle area.

In the short time the scheme has been launched, many of the participating households have pledged to make their home completely smoke-free or at least limit smoking to one room where children are not allowed.

The approach has also led to 145 households out of the 477 making the pledge, asking for a fire safety check, which adds to the security and safety of their children.

An added bonus is that this has led to many of them cutting down on the number of cigarettes they smoke.

And most have asked for help from the PCT's Stop Smoking Service.

Those who promise to make the house totally smoke-free get a gold award, those limiting it to one room get a silver award.

Sue Hopkinson, who works at the Maden Community and Children's Centre, Bacup, and co-ordinator of the campaign, said: "Protecting the health of children is the single main factor behind families making their homes smoke-free. Our research found that most families found it either easy' or fairly easy' to do."

"Parents have told me their children's cough had gone and that their own health has improved.

"One said: There has been a massive change - our kids feel better and the children don't complain as much.' She also revealed that parents found their children to be healthier, with some of them stating: The children don't complain as much.' Janet Walton, Health Promotion Manager with the PCT, added: "Children living in a smoke-free home are less likely to have asthma attacks, chest infections, hospital care in their first year of life, and need less time off school."

"We know that many people going down the smoke-free homes route will eventually give up completely. Then everyone benefits."

The Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Stop Smoking Service is available on 01282 607002. For Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, call 01254 358095.