A HEALTH club has won a top national award in recognition of its no-smoking policy.

Bannatyne's Health Club, which is based at Durham Cricket Club's Riverside Ground, in Chester-le-Street, has been presented with a National Clean Air Award, in recognition of its premises and grounds being made completely smoke free.

The award, which is an initiative of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, is designed to reward employers who implement effective workplace no- smoking policies, by giving them a nationally-recognised honour and providing guidance.

Bannatyne's has been working closely with local Clean Air Award co-ordinator Mark den Hollander in developing its policy and achieving the award, which is endorsed by The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation.

The club's general manager Andy Mockler said: "Non-smoking is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle and we promote all aspects of wellbeing and fitness to our staff and members.

"Everyone here fully supports and adheres to the policy, and we are extremely pleased that our work has been recognised in this way."

The award scheme is supported by the Fresh campaign for a Smoke Free North East, which funds and co-ordinates the regional franchise of the National Clean Air Awards.

Regional co-ordinator, Lisa Holland, said "Bannatyne's Health Club in Chester-le-Street is a very deserving recipient of this award and it's great that this forward-thinking health club is committed to protect their employees and customers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke."

Other organisations who wish to apply for an award can find more details on www.cleanairaward.org.uk or call Mr den Hollander on 07798 866375.