Brierfield Pre-school has been recognised for its work promoting a ‘Smoke-Free Homes’ initiative.

Staff have raised awareness to parents about the damage second-hand smoke can have on their children, and the pre-school submitted the highest number of Smoke- Free Homes promises to the Health Improvement Service during the campaign.

Tracy Higson, the pre-school’s health champion said: “The Smoke-Free Homes pledge is an excellent tool and helps guide our conversations with parents and carers on the dangers of second-hand smoke.”

Debra Bradshaw, pre-school manager, said: “We continue to promote Smoke Free Homes all year, as well as ensuring that all our service users know where they can get help if they want to quit smoking.

Peter Pendlebury, tobacco control specialist at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Breathing in second-hand smoke increases children’s risk of developing asthma, chest infections, glue ear and, in the longer term, cancers and heart disease. This is a great achievement by Brierfield Pre-school.”

The trust presented Debra and Tracy with second-hand smoke awareness mugs as a mark of appreciation.