AN East Lancashire campaign which saw more than 1,000 people urge the Government to create a tobacco-free future has won a national award.

The region-wide ‘Let’s make smoking history for our children’ campaign won Public Sector Campaign of the Year, at the Public Affairs News Awards 2009.

As part of the campaign, 1,040 postcards in East Lancashire were sent to the Department of Health, calling for a long-term plan to protect our children and future generations from the harm smoking causes.

Across the North West, more than 60,000 people pledged their support – the biggest response in the country.

Dr Frank Atherton, lead director of public health for tobacco control in Lancashire, said: “This award is recognition of the success of an excellent campaign and for the clear public support for further measures to protect children from the dangers of smoking.”

Andrea Crossfield, director of Smokefree North West, added: “For this campaign to be recognised nationally is testament to the fantastic work and public engagement that took place in Burnley.

“The success of this campaign clearly demonstrates the will within the region to make smoking history for our children because every child and young person in the North West is entitled to a tobacco free future.”