CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has declared his support for an initiative to make tobacco products have plain packaging.

Smokefree South West is leading a Plain Packs Protect campaign to call for a change in the way tobacco companies market their products in the UK.

In Devon alone, 3,232 people have expressed their support for the campaign.

The organisation hopes that by making packaging plain, smoke will appear less attractive to youngers, and allow health warnings to stand out more clearly.

Mr Stride MP said: 'I totally support the plain packaging campaign, particularly as plain packaging is likely to play a strong part in reducing the number of children who try smoking.

'The majority of smokers start in their early years and this approach should have excellent long-term health benefits for many thousands of people.'

For more information on the Plain Packs Protect campaign, visit http://www.plainpacksprotect.co.uk">www.plainpacksprotect.co.uk