PUBS in north Oxfordshire will go smoke free on Wednesday to mark National No Smoking Day.

The initiative will give landlords an insight into challenges they could face when a national smoking ban in pubs begins on July 1. It will also help customers prepare for the ban.

John and Trisha Bellinger, who run the Bell Inn at Adderbury, have just returned from a fact-finding visit to Ireland, where a smoking ban is already in place.

Mr Bellinger said: "Whether we like it or not, the ban is coming at the start of July, and I don't want to alienate existing customers who may still want to smoke.

"Obviously they won't be able to smoke in the pub but we have come back from Ireland with ideas of how to create an outside area where smokers can have a cigarette and not offend the majority of people using the pub."

The Bell and other pubs across the country are answering a call from licensed trade newspaper the Morning Advertiser, and the national organisers of No Smoking Day.

Morning Advertiser editor Andrew Pring said: "Pubs and pub customers must get used to the fact that smoking will not be allowed from July 1.

"The smoking ban presents a good opportunity for pubs to attract new customers and to try out new ideas.

"But it also presents challenges, particularly how to keep smokers happy in the smoke-free environment.

"By banning smoking for one day, the Bell has shown it is preparing for the challenge to come."

Ben Youdan, chief executive of the charity No Smoking Day, said: "The legislation to clear the air has the potential to be a huge success and any chance to start warming up early will help pubs stay one step ahead.

"Nearly two million smokers are expected to try give up on No Smoking Day, and giving them a smoke free night out will be a great way to celebrate."