Stars support Liverpool going smokefree

September 6, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE FROM SMOKEFREE LIVERPOOL

Hollyoaks stars are showing their support for a Smokefree Liverpool.

Mugs and coasters branded with the SmokeFree Liverpool logo and signature bright stripe design are to appear in episodes of the Channel 4 TV show, from Thursday (September 8).

Characters from the show will also be sporting the purple limited edition SmokeFree Liverpool wristbands as part of their costumes.

Programme makers Mersey Television were eager to get involved in the campaign, which aims to make all workplaces smokefree, as they already have a strict smokefree working environment policy.

Mersey Television offered their services as a way of further promoting awareness of the SmokeFree Liverpool campaign and its bid to gain support for 100% restrictions on smoking in all workplaces.

Actor Carley Stenson, who plays Stephanie Dean in the show, is a supporter of the campaign. She said: "I really hope Liverpool's bid is successful. I'm a non- smoker and there's nothing worse than going out to a bar and being surrounded by smoke.

"The campaign has hit a nerve with everyone. Even my colleagues who are smokers think the campaign makes a lot of sense and support it."

SmokeFree Liverpool Programme Director, Andrea Crossfield, said: "This latest show of support is a great step forward, as it allows us to make a younger audience aware of what we are trying to do."

Chair of Central Liverpool PCT and Joint Chair of the SmokeFree Liverpool Stakeholder Group,Gideon Ben-Tovim said: "To have one of the region's largest companies onboard the SmokeFree Liverpool campaign is a major plus for us.

"It's encouraging to see that all sectors of the community are now involved in making Liverpool, England's first smokefree city."