Children as young as four are being targeted in a new drive to warn against the dangers of smoking.

Primary schoolchildren from Swansea are took part in the launch of the Smoke Signals initiative on Thursday.

The younger people start, the more likely they are to smoke for longer and to die early from smoking Health Minister Jane Hutt

Pupils from Penllergaer Primary School performed a play in front of Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.

The Welsh Assembly Government drive uses stories and activities to deliver its message.

The bilingual packs, which have recieved positive feedback during tests, will be distributed free to schools across Wales at the start of next year.

Headteacher Sian Evans, from the Llangadog Primary School in Carmarthenshire, was part of the team of experts which helped develop the packs.

"The concern was the young age at which people start experimenting with smoking," she said.

"The aim was to promote a more positive attitude to non-smoking,"

The packs begin by introducing the character of Cledwyn the Dragon who manages to break out of a smoky environment and into the fresh air.

Alun Pugh wants to ban smoking in public buildings

"As children progress, they learn how attitudes to smoking have changed over the years as the harmful effects became more apparent," added Ms Evans.

She stressed the lessons were versatile and could be introduced as parts of maths, history and language courses.

Launching the pack, Ms Hutt said smoking was dangerous at any age.

"The younger people start, the more likely they are to smoke for longer and to die early from smoking," she said.

Meanwhile, Labour AM Alun Pugh has tabled a motion calling on the UK Government to enable the assembly government to ban smoking in public buildings across Wales.

Mr Pugh, who represents Clwyd West, was backed by health spokespeople from Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats and Conservative parties.

Cash prizes

Last month, schoolchildren across Wales were told they could win cash prizes or even a holiday if they sign contracts promising not to smoke.

Pupils between the ages of 11 and 13 were urged not to start smoking since they are the ones who come under the greatest pressure to light up.

Classes will be able to win cash prizes and even a trip to Brussels as part of the European Smokefree Class contest.

All pupils in a class have to sign an agreement saying they will not smoke.

However, if one pupil does smoke then the whole class is out of the contest for that particular month.