New proposals to combat the harm caused by smoking have been outlined by the Department of Health.

Among them, a ban on smoking in vehicles carrying youngsters under the age of 16.

Other initiatives include stringent rules on advertising, a ban on cigarette vending machines and covered shelving for tobacco sales in shops.

The measures were unveiled by the department yesterday at the start of a public consultation.

Members of the Manx public have until early December to give their views on tougher smoke-free legislation.

Paul Emerson is the Island's Consultant in Public Health Medicine: (play audio)

Copies of the consultation document are available online at gov.im/health.

The questionnaire can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/s/smokefreeconsultation.