YORK MP Hugh Bayley helped mark Proud Of Pubs Week, by enjoying a pint in the city centre.

Mr Bayley visited The Snickleway Inn in Goodramgate, as publicans across the land celebrate everything that is great about pubs.

The Snickleway Inn is a traditional town-centre pub, run by Frank and Di Cartin, with hand-pulled beer and guest ale and pub grub permanently available.

Mr Bayley was keen to see how customers and staff had adapted to the smoking ban.

He said: "Like most ex-smokers I avoided smoking pubs, so now its great to be able to enjoy a pint without having to breathe in other people's smoke. Some people were worried that pub trade would go down following the ban, but Frank says he has not noticed a great deal of difference in the Snickleway.

"I realise the ban was unpopular with smokers, and they and the pubs have done well to adapt to the new rules. I think pubs will attract more customers as non-smokers find out how much cleaner and more pleasant they have become."