SMOKERS are increasing the misery of dozens of young asthma sufferers in East Lancashire.

A survey has revealed that smoky environments adversely affect the health of three-quarters of children who suffer from asthma.

The figures also showed that 31 per cent of the youngsters lived with somebody who smoked. The National Asthma Campaign is urging parents to "face up to their responsibilities."

Melinda Letts, campaign chief executive, said: "I say to all smoking parents and others responsible for children: Please put the children first.

"Try to give up for the sake of their health - or if you must smoke, do it outside, well away from any children.

"Smoking causes vulnerable children unnecessary discomfort and puts them at risk of asthma attacks and these can in extreme cases be fatal."

Dr Martyn Partridge, chief medical adviser to the National Asthma Campaign, said: "We have known for a while that cigarette smoke can be a major trigger of asthma symptoms and there is clear evidence that mothers who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of their child developing asthma.

" But the issue of passive smoking seems to have slipped from the public agenda."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.