Illegal tobacco makes it easier for our kids to smoke

Illegal tobacco is usually sold for about half the price of legal cigarettes, making smoking far more affordable - especially for children.

As it gets harder for under-18s to buy cigarettes and tobacco from genuine traders, other sources such as street sellers, 'tab' houses and even ice-cream vans are providing kids with an alternative option.

And with most traders only bothered about making some extra cash, they don't think twice about selling illegal cigarettes to kids. In fact, they will often sell them in 'singles' (one cigarette at a time), making it even easier for kids to afford them.

There have even been reports of kids being directly targeted by 'tab' houses in the North East, who see them as easy customers.