SOUTHAMPTON could become a smoke-free city within three years.

More than 20 organisations have signed up to Southampton's first smoke-free charter, pledging to rid tobacco smoke from their premises by 2008.

On national No Smoking Day, health chiefs have drawn up an action plan to ban smoking at all enclosed public places across the city.

It could mean fines of up to £1,000 for anyone who breaks the ban, which would not extend to outdoor areas.

Smoking remains the main cause of preventable deaths in Southampton with one in three people dying from smoking-related illnesses.

Figures released today reveal how the city's non-smokers are also suffering with an estimated 18 people a year dying as a result of passive smoking.

Andrew Mortimore, Southampton's director of public health, said: "This is a really important decision which will improve the health of the people of Southampton.

"This charter will help to protect people from the dangers of passive smoking and support those smokers who want to quit."

For the full story see today's Spotlight feature under the 'More News' section.