JACK Bateman, the expert known as the Tithe Rambler by pigeon fanciers nationwide, has died. Mr Bateman, 85, of Tithe Road, Chatteris, died at Princess of Wales Hospital, Ely. A funeral service takes place at noon today at St Peter and St Paul s Church,

TYDD St Giles Golf and Leisure Centre, licensed by Fenland District Council, is the first licensed premises in Fenland to receive a national Roy Castle Foundation Clean Air Award.

The centre received a silver award for its commitment to protecting employees and the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

It is one of a growing number of workplaces that are ensuring they are in line with smoke-free legislation, which is due to come into force in summer 2007.

The council is a signatory to the Local Area Agreement, along with other local district councils, the county council and other statutory agencies.

Recent research from health and safety specialists, Croner, revealed that there is confusion among some employers over the forthcoming smoking ban. About 70 per cent of workplaces consulted by Croner claimed their organisations were already compliant with the forthcoming law, yet 485 said they still provided inside smoking areas for their employees.

Internal smoking areas and rooms will need to be removed in order to meet the requirements of the legislation.

Many workplaces, pubs and restaurants are finding there are many benefits to going smoke free before next summer. Manager of the golf centre, Adrian Hurst, said "You cannot believe the difference in air quality. Considering everything from the staff to our customers' views, I feel we have made the correct decision on what was a very delicate subject for many people.