A PUB with atmosphere, not smoke.

That is the sign that greets customers as they filter through the doors of a Chandler's Ford watering hole. By turning the King Rufus into a smoke- free zone, hosts David and Margo Fyfe have stolen a march on Eastleigh council bosses.

Last year civic chiefs rubberstamped a move which, within the next four years, will stop anyone lighting up in public places including pubs and clubs.

David, 58, and Margo, 44, decided to make an immediate move to stub out smoking in the bars and dining areas of their Winchester Road pub.

No one has been fuming about the radical move which was introduced last October. In fact trade is booming. Customers are travelling many miles just to breathe in the clean atmosphere.

David and Margo, both non-smokers, have managed the King Rufus for four years.

Margo said: "It has not driven trade away. In fact it has been the complete opposite. Food sales have doubled and we had our best Christmas ever."

David said: "People are coming a long way to enjoy the benefit of the smoke free atmosphere.

"They are coming from the other side of Southampton and one person travelled for two hours to get here."

Health and the success of a non-smoking policy in other Greene King pubs were the major reasons for the King Rufus calling time on the dreaded weed.

At first not everyone was happy with the smoking ban. There were five or six regulars who decided to go elsewhere to be able to indulge in a smoke with their pint.

But they have since returned to the popular pub and are happy to light up outside when they feel the need for tobacco.

Smokers have not been completely frozen out. There are plans for a heated patio area where smokers will be able to satisfy their nicotine cravings.