Tony Blair has given the strongest indication yet the legal age for smoking could be raised to 18.

He was urged by Labour MP for Barnsley East and Mexborough Jeff Ennis to introduce measures in the Queen's speech later this month which would raise the legal age from 16 to 18.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Question Time yesterday Mr Blair said: "We will certainly strongly consider what you are saying.

"There was virtually unanimous support for raising the age to 18 from health groups and retailers, the tobacco industry, parents, schools and young people.

"We hope to put measures before Parliament shortly to bring those into force."

The suggested move follows a smoking ban which will put an end to groups huddling outside offices and lighting up - as the clock ticks for next year's smoke-free Bradford.

Smoke-free legislation, due to be introduced in England next summer, will see virtually all enclosed public places and work places become completely smoke-free - if there was "significant risk" people would be exposed to "significant quantities of smoke".

Tory leader David Cameron said earlier this week that the age for smoking, along with driving, marrying and buying firearms, could be raised to 18.