HEALTH chiefs have presented an award to a Hampshire pub that has banned smoking.

The White Hart, at Cadnam, has received a platinum award from the Breathe Inn Scheme, which is run by New Forest Primary Care Trust and the district council.

Platinum awards are only given to pubs that are 100 per cent smoke-free.

Smoking has been banned in the bar, eating and non-eating areas at the White Hart since April last year.

Landlord Matt Crick said: "Our takings have gone up since we became a smoke-free pub.

"People who want a smoke are happy to go outside, while others make a special trip to enjoy the smokeless atmosphere. We even get people from as far afield as Chichester."

Mr Crick received his award from Dr Christine Jackson, the trust's director of public health.

The ceremony also marked the success of New Forest Quitters, which helped 556 people stub out the habit last year. The service catering for people in the Forest, Eastleigh and Test Valley was launched on June 1.

For details of the scheme ring 0845 6344484.