A TOP Hampshire hotel has become a smoke-free zone ahead of the national ban in July.

The four-star Solent Hotel & Spa is part of the Shire Hotels chain, which yesterday became the first in the country to introduce a blanket no-smoking policy.

It will include all bedrooms, public areas, bars, restaurants and meeting and events rooms.

Smoking will only be allowed in designated outside areas.

Solent Hotel general manager Antony Penny said: "The reaction so far has been unanimously positive - especially from our Spa members who fully recognise the importance of looking after themselves. We are very proud to be part of the first UK hotel group to implement such a ban, and to educate staff and guests alike on the benefits of healthier lifestyle options."

About 190 staff work at the Whiteley hotel. Group manging director Ian Harkness said the move was supported by a marked decrease in reservations for smoking rooms.

Health minister Caroline Flint said: "Second-hand smoke kills and therefore I welcome the decision by Shire Hotels to provide completely smoke free hotels."

Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, added: "A smoke-free environment not only protects hotel workers from second-hand smoke but also helps smokers themselves to quit the habit."

Shire Hotels' no-smoking policy will operate across all six of their four-star properties.