You too can kick the habit - that was the message this walking cigarette brought to a York student campus.

The giant model was out and about at York St John University College, in York, where the students' union was encouraging staff and undergraduates to make the campus a smoke-free zone to mark No Smoking Day yesterday.

Information on quitting smoking was handed out, and support classes were held during the day. Staff were also being sponsored to give up the habit.

Anna Johnson, vice-president of education and welfare for the students' union, said: "We take the health of our students seriously and want to offer them as much support as available.

"We offer advice and information all year, but see National No Smoking Day as a fantastic opportunity to really push the no smoking message.

"With national press support the message is really out there, and we want to build on this increased raised awareness."

In May last year the Evening Press joined forces with Selby and York Primary Care Trust to launch the Yes To Clean Air campaign, which aims to help workplaces become smoke-free.