AN Evesham club is set to become the first in England and Wales to introduce a blanket ban on smoking.

And the announcement to the 400-plus members of the Avon Sports and Social Club on Waterside is endorsed by secretary John Guest who is terminally ill with lung and chest cancer.

In a covering letter to members, Mr Guest, 69, a smoker, revealed that he all for the ban.

"It's not that much of a hassle," said 22-year-old smoker Luke Harvey. "We can always go outside if we want a cigarette."

The smoking ban will come into effect from July 1 - more than a year before the Government is expected to enforce the ban throughout England and Wales in autumn 2007.

Acting steward and committee member Bill Quinn said: "There have been a number of functions in the club involving children, such as Christenings, when we have asked everyone not to smoke and there has never been a problem.

"In a way this is only a logical extension of that. Most members I have spoken to about it seem quite unconcerned."

Mr Guest, a former bookie and council housing officer, said he had been a smoker since the age of 11. He was diagnosed with lung and chest cancer in February 2004 when doctors gave him just six months to live.

"I have carried on smoking because it is far too late to make any difference to me now," he said.

In a notice posted in the club and sent to members, he wrote: "As from July 1, 2006, a no smoking policy will be implemented in all parts of the club.

"An area of the car park will be made available (if it rains) for anyone to have a smoke. Also, a slightly longer interval will be made at Sunday bingo.

"This decision will probably upset some members who enjoy a smoke whilst having a drink or a game of bingo, but sooner or later we have to abide by this law.

"As your secretary, I too enjoy a smoke, and as some of you already know I am terminally ill with lung cancer but am prepared to make a sacrifice to go outside when I want one."

Club chairman Richard Haines said: "Work has already been put in hand to introduce electricity into some sheds at the end of the car park. We will try to accommodate smokers as much as we can without allowing them to light up in the main club building."

Committee member Tony Hughes, the club's regular bingo caller and a non-smoker, welcomed the ban.

"It is a bit like a goldfish bowl up there," he said. "When I get home my clothes are reeking of smoke."

News of the ban came as a House of Lords committee said Labour's ban was not justified by the "relatively minor" risk posed by passive smoking.