The Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious global network of 74 cities dedicated to improving health, presented the award to Greater Manchester at its annual Summit in Paris.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and co-chair of the Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board, said: ‘It's fantastic to see our efforts recognised on the global stage.

‘This award reflects the dedication of our partners, communities and residents in making a real, lasting difference. Over the next six years, we will continue to drive forward our Making Smoking History strategy—helping more people quit, preventing children from starting, and creating smokefree spaces that protect public health and promote healthier futures for all.'

Making Smoking History has helped 126,000 people quit the habit with Greater Manchester now boasting record low smoking rates of 12.5% compared with 18.4% in 2018.

Hospitals and voluntary outdoor community areas in the region are working towards becoming smokefree ahead of proposed national legislation banning smoking outside hospitals and schools—a move backed by 80% of Greater Manchester residents.