SMOKERS all over Britain were stubbing out this week on the annual guilt trip known as No Smoking Day on Wednesday.

The thrust of this year's message was emotional blackmail and the main question on non-smokers' lips was; 'what about your children?'. But when I went out on the streets of Preston to find out your views I was hard pushed to find any parents, indeed anyone over the age of 30 who smoked.

Mother-of-two Carol Robinson of Fulwood has never smoked, she said: "My parents and my sisters smoke but my children never will. They think it's a horrible habit. They know it damages their health."

Neville Rimmer from Ashton said: "I haven't smoked for 15 years. I think smokers are fools. It's proven that it's bad for your health.

"People shouldn't smoke in front of children or in public places. It sets a bad example."

Luan Hill, 21, of Penwortham has been smoking for eight years but admitted that she'd hate it if any children she had smoked. She added: "I wouldn't like them to," she said, "but I can't really preach to them, can I?."

Father-of-one Sean Heyworth, 22, a builder from Fulwood, said he had smoked since he was 14 but he would try 'again' to give up on No Smoking Day.

He said he wouldn't want his daughter to smoke when she grows up: "I'd do my best to stop her but I know myself that parents can't stop you.

"It makes you more determined if they try. You hide and smoke and that's part of the fun."

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