The countdown is on to hospitals in Bradford becoming smoke-free.

By December smoking will not be allowed anywhere at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's Hospital.

The transition to smoke-free sites is beginning this autumn with the aim that by the end of the year the policy will be fully enforced.

A spokesman for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals said: "There is overwhelming support for us becoming a smoke-free hospital and we consulted widely to gather people's views before launching the policy.

"Research nationally shows 96 per cent of people are in favour of smoke-free hospitals and we strongly believe our policy will benefit patients, staff and visitors to our sites.

"This is a positive step to protect people from passive smoking and to encourage those who want to quit smoking, to do so.

"We are offering stop smoking advice to staff, patients and visitors."

Ian Willmore, spokesman for tobacco campaigners ASH said: "We are delighted that Bradford Teaching Hospitals will be entirely smoke free.

"Initiatives like this are very important for the success of the campaign. It is essential that the NHS sets an example - with Bradford leading the way."

During the run-up to the December deadline, support will be offered to staff and patients to help them adjust the new smoke free status of the hospital.

The policy will be promoted internally and externally with GPs, patients, community groups and staff.

Smokers will be made aware of local and national support services available to help them give up.

Director of non-clinical services, Alan Crossland, said: "Adopting a no smoking policy can be very sensitive.

"By involving patients and the public from the start we hope that the ban on smoking will be enforced with everyone's support."

The drive to go smoke-free has been undertaken by a steering group made up of a cross section of staff and representatives from unions, patient groups and the public.

The group has worked closely with a health and safety officer and occupational health to ensure the new policy can be introduced as efficiently as possible.

There are also plans by Airedale NHS Trust to make Airedale General Hospital in Steeton, near Keighley, smoke-free.