THIS newspaper has been unequivocal in its support of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places. Last July's ban in England followed similar measures in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Despite the bleating of a minority claiming the ban somehow affected their civil liberties, the reality is that this has been a welcome and long overdue protection of the health of the vast majority of the population.

The predicted collapse of the pub trade has not happened because a smoke-free atmosphere has actually attracted more people - particularly families aiming to enjoy a meal.

And figures released yesterday showed an increase of 28 per cent in the number of people kicking the smoking habit between April and September last year compared with the same period in 2006. That is almost 165,000 smokers in England who have managed to give up.

It's good news - and the fact that the figures coincide with the beginning of the ban show it acted as a huge incentive for many smokers.

Similar post-ban figures have been recorded in Scotland and Wales.

The smoking ban works in three ways - it protects the health of workers in places like pubs, it gives customers a smoke-free atmosphere to enjoy, and, if figures like those released yesterday become the norm, it helps to improve the long-term health of the nation and therefore reduces future strain on the NHS.

For all three reasons we continue to warmly welcome the end of smoking in enclosed public places.