AS a parent and volunteer Ambassador for Cancer Research UK, I'd like to rally readers to a cause that is very close to my heart.

I am asking everyone to email or write to their MP to campaign for cigarettes to be sold in plain standard packs rather than in the glitzy branding that make cigarettes so alluring to young people.

Standard packs are backed by over 190 health bodies and they've already been introduced in Australia.

Since the Government closed its consultation on this issue six months ago, over 127,000  children will have started smoking.

Every day we delay in the UK nearly another 570 children will take up this deadly and addictive habit.

That's why we need to call on the Government to act now to protect our children from tobacco marketing and give them one less reason to start smoking.  

The clock is ticking.  

Readers can email their MPs at CRUK.org.uk/standard-packs today.

Mrs Tracey Eustice

Cornwall Volunteer Campaigns Ambassador

Cancer Research UK