GREENWICH Council has clamped down on illegal tobacco sales, seizing 1,500 cigarettes in a series of spot checks on stores.

The council says most traders complied with the law but trading standards officers still confiscated the haul of cigarettes, along with 1.9kg of rolling tobacco from two shops in Woolwich.

And Greenwich is also throwing its weight behind the push to help people quit smoking with more than 1,000 residents visiting roadshows last year as part of the national Stoptober campaign.

The council has also signed the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control which commits the authority to reduce the number of people smoking, and to work with local communities to develop non-smoking plans.

Cabinet Member for health Councillor John Fahy said: "Signing the declaration is more than a general statement – it is an indication that we intend to take action on all fronts to reduce smoking, using our enforcement powers where appropriate."

Visit greenwichstopsmoking.org.uk or text QUIT to 60060.

Illicit tobacco can be reported by calling 020 8921 8223.