The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is calling for the UK smoking ban to be extended to cover all public parks, play areas and outdoor swimming pools.

The medical institution wants to expand the ban in order to safeguard children from being exposed to passive smoke, which it said is a 'major hazard for millions of children'.

According to RCP, more than 160,000 children each year suffer from medical conditions linked to passive smoking. RCP estimates that treating these cases also costs the NHS an additional £23.3 each year.

The RCP's report was welcomed by the chief medical officer for England, professor Sir Liam Donaldson.

He said: "Secondhand smoke is a serious public health concern which I highlighted in my 2002 Annual Report.

"This report by RCP aligns very well with the government's ten year vision for tobacco control set out in its new strategy for England, A Smokefree Future(/I>."