Manchester International Airport has banned people from smoking inside all three of its terminals.

The decision to stop smokers from lighting up came into force on May 14 - seven weeks ahead of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places in England.

The airport ban was launched the same day as a new Manchester-wide quitline to help people stop smoking was set up.

Smokers will now have to use specially designed smoking shelters sited outside the terminal buildings.

Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Operations and Services at Manchester Airport, said the decision to enforce the ban early was down to the airport's size and the amount of work involved in complying with the new law.

He added: "Passengers wishing to smoke will be directed to designated external smoking areas outside the Terminals and will no longer be permitted to smoke inside the concourse areas, including all cafes and bars.

"However, once through the security channels and into the departure lounges, a designated smoking area in each Terminal will remain in place until midnight June 30."