DEVON County Council has signed up to a national initiative to protect people from the risks associated with smoking.

The Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control will be signed by county council leader John Hart, chief executive Phil Norrey, cabinet member for health and wellbeing Andrea Davis, and Direc-tor of Public Health Dr Virginia Pearson.

Cllr Davis said: “The declaration lets the tobacco industry and people know our intention to protect children and young people from becoming addicted to tobacco and to keep illegal tobacco out of our communities.

“In signing we can build on work we’re already doing with our partners, including children’s centres, district councils and leisure centres, to educate people about the damage smoking does to health.”