A BURY actress is fronting a hard-hitting campaign alerting parents to the risk that second-hand smoke in cars could pose to their children.

The online video stars Jazmine Franks, who plays Esther Bloom in Hollyoaks, and aims to raise awareness of research suggesting one in three children are unwilling to challenge adults who smoke in cars while they are passengers.

The film, produced by Tobacco Free Futures and the British Lung Foundation (BLF), is part of a call for legislation to make all cars carrying children smoke-free.

Jazmine said: “I’m sure a lot of people think that as long as the window is open, the cigarette smoke is not doing any harm to other passengers in the car, especially children, but it’s not safe and it isn’t fair that children have to breathe it in.”

Health experts say second-hand smoke in a car can be up to 11 times the levels found in a smoky room — and more than 80 per cent of it is invisible.

Acting alongside Jazmine is actor Neil Fitzmaurice, known for his roles in Peep Show and Phoenix Nights.

Recent BLF research suggests more than 430,000 children aged 11 to 15 are exposed to second-hand smoke in family cars at least once a week.

After fresh calls for the issue to be discussed, it will be debated in the House of Lords next year as part of the Children and Families Bill.

Wendy Meston, public health lead for Greater Manchester said: “Second-hand smoke has been shown to cause a range of health problems in children including chest infections, increased risk of asthma, cot death, glue ear and middle ear infections.

“I urge all adults to protect children by not smoking in cars and homes. Children when asked usually say they would like their spaces to be smoke free so let’s listen to what our children want and need.”

In the North West, second-hand smoke results in around 34,000 GP visits and more than 1,100 emergency admissions to hospital each year.

Go to tobaccofreefutures.org/ how-do-we-do-it/5-reducing-exp osure-to-secondhand-smoke/ smoking-in-cars-carrying-children/

Below: the advert