Although it's now illegal to sell cigarettes to under-18s, many thousands of our children are still regular smokers, and hundreds more take up the habit every week.

Cigarette vending machines are a major source of supply for young smokers. Around 46,000 11 to 15 year olds regularly buy cigarettes in this way, and the BHF, alongside partner organisations, including the BMA, ASH, and Cancer Research UK, has been strongly lobbying government to outlaw these machines.

In November 2007, we sent in-depth briefings to 450 MPs to encourage them to support a ban. Discussions were held with the Department of Health, and questions were tabled in the Commons.

The message is being heard. In early December, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced measures to stop youngsters taking up smoking, including plans to ban cigarette machines in pubs, bars, hotels and social clubs. With 70,000 machines selling 750 million cigarettes every year, the ban will be a significant step towards helping our children to get smoke free.

For more information about this campaign, please go to bhf.org.uk/campaigns