A POPULAR Worcestershire pub's month-long trial of banning smoking has proved such a success that even smokers support it, according to the landlord.

As a result The Swan at Whittington, off Old Road, Whittington, near Worcester, will remain a non-smoking pub, making it one of only a few in the county to impose an outright ban.

Landlord Nick Mossop said they began the trial on New Year's Day after talking to customers and bar staff.

Before that, despite having seven air filters dotted around the premises, they said the interior of the pub was always smoky.

"We have had customers coming in saying that they have not been in here for years because it was too smoky," said Mr Mossop, who has run the pub, well-known for its Mediterranean influenced menu, for the past year.

He said that while there had been some loss of the casual customers who come in after work between 5pm and 7pm for a quick drink, the overall number of customers had increased.

"More people are coming in for meals," he said.

But the pub has not completely forgotten about its smoking clientele.

"We have created an area at the back. It is completely enclosed and we have put some gas heaters out there," he said.

"Many of the smokers have said it is a much nicer place to come into. They are happy to go outside."

Drinkers can also leave their pints in the pub while they go out to light up as the pub has produced "Do Not Touch" signs, which can be placed next to drinks to ensure that they are not taken away while they go off for a cigarette.

It is believed The Yorkshire Grey, in Earls Croome, was one of the first pubs in the county to go completely smoke free.

In May 2004 the Evening News reported that the landlord, Steve Potts, made the change after calls from his customers for smoke-free areas.