Health bosses are to introduce a pilot scheme aimed at making children's play areas smoke-free environments.

But they are planning a gently, gently "voluntary" approach in persuading smokers to light up elsewhere rather than just banning the habit in playgrounds.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has been asked by Kent County Council (KCC) Public Health to pilot a smoke-free play area trial in an effort to create a "clean and healthy environment for children to learn and play".

And if it's successful the idea could be spread right across the county.

ABC will test the smoke-free pilots in various play areas across the borough including The Stour Centre, Kilndown, Bullied Place and Newtown Green.

The aim is to create a smoke-free environment for children and their families to enjoy, help protect children from the effects of second hand smoke, and reduce the number of children who start smoking after being influenced by those who do.

The project also hope to reduce the amount of cigarette litter in play areas, making them cleaner.

Fun pavement games and entrance signs, which "encourage" a smoke-free area, are to be installed in the selected play areas this month. ABC says the signage will "gently" remind smokers not to light up, with the pavement games intended to get children active.

An ABC statement said: "The non-smoking policy is voluntary so the responsibility is on local people to make the scheme a success. If the pilot project proves successful, the initiative could be rolled out in numerous play areas across Kent."

KCC’s director of public health, Andrew Scott-Clark said: “We welcome this pilot as it sends a clear message to our local communities that smoking has a serious and detrimental effect on our population, including children.

“Although the scheme is voluntary, we hope it will prove popular with those who use the parks and can be repeated at sites across the county.”

Cultural and Youth Projects Leader, SallyAnne Logan, said: “Sadly, smoking has become a fairly common practice in children’s play areas. Bringing in a smoke-free policy across play areas will help protect children from the effects of second hand smoke and provide a healthy haven for children to play and learn."

But the idea has already met with very mixed reactions, according to comments posted on the Kentish Express Facebook page.

Tom Monk said: "Surely smoking in a children's play area is irresponsible anyway."

John Shaw said: "Children shouldn't be subjected to smoking. Adults have the option when and where to smoke, children don't!"

Linda Evans said: "Why is so much fuss being made over a bit of cigarette smoke when the biggest form of air pollution comes from road traffic?"

Sandy Blackmore said: "It's a great idea, but wouldn't work. After all, the signs at hospitals don't deter folk from lighting up where they shouldn't, do they?"