JUST one person in over 800 inspections has been found smoking in a prohibited area in Purbeck since the ban.

A total of 826 premises and vehicles were inspected by Purbeck District Council in the two weeks following the introduction of the Smokefree legislation on July 1.

Nearly all had made alternative arrangements for those wishing to smoke and only one person was caught lighting up in a private hire vehicle.

The council has put its successes down to its Smokefree officer, a government-funded post, who ran an educated programme in the run-up ban.

Stewart Connolly, Purbeck District Council's Smokefree officer, said: "Over the last couple of months we have been working closely with local businesses and other affected organisations to ensure they are compliant with the new Smokefree legislation and we are delighted that this hard work has paid off.

"The responsible attitude taken by most people has been impressive and we are hopeful there will be little need for enforcement action going forward."

But the council also found 10 per cent of premises had not ensured they had the correct signs on display, and 60 per cent of the 111 vehicles inspected did not have the correct no smoking' symbol up.

Some claimed lack of awareness of how the law affected them, while others were slow to put signs up.

Officers issued advice and handed out signs to people who were out of line, and arranged repeat checks.

Free posters are still available to download from smokefreeengland.co.uk or by calling the Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 169 7.

Further information and assistance is available from the council by calling the Smokefree officer on 01929 557342.